Champion jockey Jim Cassidy has moved to Perth with his family to begin a training regime aimed at having him fit to resume riding from the start of the new racing season on August 1.

Cassidy arrived in Perth last week with his wife Vicki and youngest daughter Piper to work with his private trainer Malcolm Ayoub after undergoing surgery on his right knee and ankle to mend nagging injuries he has been carrying since a fall in Brisbane in 2007.

Ayoub has been Cassidy's trainer and masseuse for 20 years and makes regular trips from his Perth home to assist and motivate the 47-year-old jockey during the major racing carnivals.

Cassidy, who was on crutches after his recent surgery, plans to spend another two weeks with Ayoub to ensure he is at peak fitness for his return to the saddle.

Cassidy's weight climbed to more than 57kg while in hospital but he expects that after two weeks of training with Ayoub he will be ready to resume riding on August 1 at a fit 52.5kg.

"Malcolm is my greatest asset because he pushes me through the pain barrier,” Cassidy told the West Australian.

“I feel great. Switched on and fired up to get going again."

Cassidy, who has signalled his intention to retire from riding some time in the next two years, is aiming to continue a strong association with the Chris Waller stable through the spring.

Cassidy missed the big spring races last year after he sliced his hand and almost lost two fingers in a a gardening accident.

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