Young jockey Taj Dyson flagged a return to race riding at Monday’s Belmont trials after retiring from the saddle more than a year ago.

The now 20-year-old hung up the irons after running fourth aboard Street Parade at Belmont in September 2023, dispirited from a lack of success and wavering dedication to his weight.

But after nine months away from the fast-paced action of racing, Dyson rekindled his competitive passion and determinedly set about a rigorous campaign to get back in the pilot’s seat.

“I never stopped riding trackwork, but I reckon I was 76kg,” Dyson said.

“For the last five to six months, I’ve been running and dieting pretty hard, and I’m now down to 57kg.

“I was on a keto diet to get down to about 60kg, then a carnivore diet, but that only got about 1kg off. Then, I’ve been on a calorie deficit to strip the last bit.

“I’ve had to maintain 57kg for the last four weeks in front of (officials) on the scales.”

Dyson’s final winner came earlier in the month of his retirement when sending home Sketta to success for his famed trainer grandfather Fred Kersley.

But despite saluting 75 times across his first two riding seasons, Dyson’s discontent with his career trajectory continued to grow.

“I was 53kg when I first signed up, but by the end I could only ride 56.5kg and was just struggling,” Dyson said.

“I couldn’t ride a winner, and immaturity was a big thing.

“To have been an apprentice, had a year off, and now coming back as a senior, I know it’s going to be hard, but I’m ready this time.

“I understand how important and strict I have to be because I’m not as lucky as others in height.”

Standing at 5’11, Dyson is a comparatively towering figure over most in the jockey’s room and limits himself to a paltry 1100 calories a day.

A coffee and two avocado-coated Cruskits for breakfast are followed by a solitary mango for lunch, with steamed fish and vegetables for dinner.

Months of gruelling rationing finally reached a rewarding phase when Dyson completed the first three of 12 compulsory trials on Monday, two for current boss Mitchell Pateman and one for Ash Maley.

Though most of Dyson’s rides and winners (nine) came from his grandfather, Maley and co-trainers Dan and Ben Pearce provided him with eight a piece.

“It was good – obviously, it was very hot – but it was nice to blow out the cobwebs,” Dyson said.

“Ash Maley and the Pearces have said they will use me in the country when they can and give me a few trial rides.”

Dyson’s trainer mother, Karen Kersley, is eyeing the Listed $125,000 Summer Scorcher (1000m) on New Year’s Day with recent revelation Norich.

The 50-start veteran has taken WA racing by storm, winning his last three in brutal front-running performances.