Albany apprentice jockey Rosie Mahony notches winning double at National Apprentice Race Series in Darwin

Albany-based apprentice jockey Rosie Mahony had an interstate debut to remember, notching a winning double against the nation’s best young riders at the National Apprentice Race Series in Darwin last week. The fourth-year apprentice was in fine form on Friday at Darwin Turf Club, steering Chris Pollard’s Bart’s Bullet to victory in Heat 7 before saluting with the Gary Clarke-trained Spaceship in Heat 8. The 24-year-old said the result was a “surreal” one, and a landmark achievement in her fledgling career. “It’s probably one of the most memorable things that has happened in my career so far,” Mahony said. “I never imagined that I would get to do the NARS series, go somewhere so cool, and win both the legs — it was just so surreal, and I just can’t believe it.” “When I crossed the finish line in the first race, I was so excited and so stoked, and yeah it was pretty surreal.” Mahony is no stranger to a dirt track like Darwin Turf Club’s surface, having previously ridden on similar decks in regional WA, including in Broome, Carnarvon, and Port Hedland. “I just knew I couldn’t give up on the horses because a lot of them find another stride on the dirt,” she said. “That first one (Bart’s Bullet) is a 1600m horse going back to 1300m, and I didn’t think he could get up to win it . . . and I kept pushing and he kept trying. “I really enjoy riding on the dirt, and it’s great fun.” Indentured to leading Albany trainer Steve Wolfe, Mahony attributed her triumphant double to WA jockey coach Peter Hall. “I think he’s been one of the reasons why I’ve been so successful this time around,” she said. “He’s got so much knowledge, and he’s so excited to help us and to give us anything he can. “He made the whole experience so easy, so fun. I didn’t have to think about anything other than the riding, and it just made all the difference in the world.” The two wins took WA to 25 points and fourth position on the NARS standings.