Lark Hill trials on Monday will hold special significance for Ben Kennedy.

It marks his official return to racing after being out of action for close to five years.

Kennedy quit riding and walked away from the sport in 2017 after guiding Skylab at Albany.

But after a number of years in the wilderness, Kennedy has rediscovered his love for racing.

Feeling refreshed physically and mentally he feels he’s ready to jump back in the saddle.

Kennedy said support from leading trainer Adam Durrant and a newfound perspective on life had motivated his return.

“I was stuck in traffic on the way to work when I got a call from Adam,” Kennedy told The Races WA.

“He basically told me to think about getting back to racing and what I was good at.

“That sparked my interest in getting back, but I always has skin in the game.

“My brother (Alan) was riding so I wasn’t totally away from it.

“But the time off has given me a new perspective on things.

“I was able to sit back and learn other life values.

“A job in racing is not such a bad thing and it’s better to be involved with horses than go to work wearing a fluro vest.

“It will take a little time to get my bearings, but I aim to get back to riding in December.

“There will be excited nerves on Monday.”

Kennedy commenced riding in 2007 and rode his first winner aboard Exstra at Carnarvon

His biggest wins include the Gimcrack Stakes (1100m) on the Lindsey Smith-trained Flying Affair and Proceedwithcaution, prepared by Geoff Van De Molen, in the York Stakes.