KEY POINTS:
A fit and refreshed Jim Byrne can't wait to get back in the saddle and says the equine influenza outbreak has toughened him for racing's return at Doomben today.
While most jockeys struggled with their weight, including Shane Scriven who watched the scales tip 70kg during the horse flu crisis, Byrne is a workaholic and had no trouble maintaining his light weight.
The dual Brisbane premiership winner is eager to return to the profession he knows best and has a full book of eight rides today.
"I haven't had a problem with my weight during the break and I'll ride at 53.5 kilos," Byrne said.
"I haven't been sitting around. I've been doing a lot of labouring jobs and kept busy working around my house.
"I worked as a labourer for one of (trainer) Tracey Green's owners.
"He's got a concreting business and it wasn't easy. I also did a lot of carpentry to keep busy."
Byrne said while his weight was under control it was a different story when it came to his finances.
Like most in the industry, his bank balance dwindled when racing was shutdown.
The last meeting in Brisbane was on September 22 before EI struck Deagon stables and then the Eagle Farm and Doomben precincts.
"I'm like everyone else and it's been a real struggle," Byrne said.
"It wasn't easy and no one likes losing money but it's been a huge loss.
"The bills still come in."
- AAP
