Keating back on home turf

TODAY’S Marong Cup meeting at the Bendigo Jockey Club marks the homecoming for popular jockey John Keating. Keating has returned to Australia after spending two-and-a-half years riding in Malaysia.The 35-year-old has had four rides since returning to Victoria and has two rides at Bendigo today.‘‘I really enjoyed my time in Malaysia, but it’s good to be back home,’’ Keating said yesterday.‘‘I’ve been riding a few in work here at Bendigo and have had a few race rides.‘‘On Monday I’m moving to Cranbourne to ride work for Robbie Laing and I’m hoping things will pick up in the next few weeks.’’Keating rode about 20 winners in his time in Malaysia - most of which were for former Bendigo trainer Steve Cook.‘‘Racing in Malaysia is different,’’ Keating said.‘‘They only race on Saturday and Sunday and it’s all about the gambling side of things.‘‘In Australia, racing is promoted as a family-orientated sport.‘‘Over there no children are allowed on course and you have to be over 18 to get through the gates.‘‘It’s all about punting… and they bet on anything and everything.’’Keating rode winners in Stakes-class events and had rides in all of Malaysia’s Group One events.‘‘I’ve always had a lot of trouble keeping my weight down, but with the heat and humidity in Malaysia I was able to control it,’’ he said.‘‘I can ride at 54.5 kg at the moment, but I’d love to get down another kilogram.’’Keating will ride Pemmtar for Bendigo trainer Sean Mott in the Ray Wild Plumbing Maiden Handicap (1000 m) and first starter Flynscab for Bendigo trainer Bennie Benbow in the Elders Ltd Maiden Plate (1300 m).‘‘I don’t know much about Sean’s horse, but I’ve been riding Bennie’s horse in work in the past couple of weeks,’’ Keating said.‘‘The horse has improved out of sight in that time, but I think it might need some more time.It’s got some ability, but I think it might be better down the track.’’The $15,000 Marong Cup has attracted a small field of nine.Edge Of The Square, trained by Rod Symons, Done And Dusted, trained by Allen Browell, and Dane Park, trained by Shane Fliedner, will fly the flag for Bendigo.