Natasha Faithfull announced as leading country jockey of the year nearly three years on from horror fall

Nearly three years ago, Albany jockey Natasha Faithfull was lying on the sand at Middleton Beach, drifting in and out of consciousness and coughing up blood after a horse fell on her during a regular morning beach workout. Now Faithfull is the WA leading country jockey of the year after a fantastic season in the saddle, completing a stunning comeback from an incident which left her with crushed ribs and lungs. Faithfull’s stellar season was recognised at the 2020-21 WA Thoroughbred Country Racing Awards held last Friday. The 28-year-old said it was nice to reflect on her season, speaking to The Races WA on the night. “It is really lovely sitting there and watching the replays and having a think about the success I have had this season,” she said. “I have been quite lucky to have a consistent flow of quality horses that have allowed me to ride so many winners. “I actually sort of forget about my accident until people bring it up so that’s all in the past and happy and healthy. “I didn’t think at all I wouldn’t ride again, thank God I was lucky and able to make a full recovery because that would be an absolute nightmare. “Horses and this industry is my absolute passion and the thought of not being able to do it is really devastating so I’m very happy and very lucky to still do it.” Faithfull rode 37 country winners to claim the top country jockey gong. Faithfull claimed the Carnarvon Cup, Meekatharra Cup and Junction Cup in the space of just over a month in August and September this year. She also won the Dongara Cup, Mingenew Cup, Carnarvon Sprint and Roebourne Ladies Bracelet in a terrific season. “I have just always been a horse person from a young age,” she said. “Just absolutely in awe of them, I just think they are beautiful animals and athletes and feel so blessed to be able to work with them. “Carnarvon Cup would have to be my favourite race to date, you go up there every single week and you’re just chasing those rides and that’s the one you want to win if you’re going up there every week.”