3 minute read
It’s been a boom week for WA apprentice jockeys.
Milestone wins, career-best performances and interstate success has Perth's young riders soaring.
For Zephen Johnston-Porter, the younger brother of top rider, Clint Johnston-Porter, it's been a whirlwind few days.
Fresh from booting home his first city winner at Belmont last Wednesday, Johnston-Porter showcased his undoubted talent on a national stage in Hobart.
Representing Western Australia in the National Apprentice Race Series (NARS), Johnston-Porter made a splash riding a treble, the first of his budding career.
Combining with local trainer Imogen Miller, Johnston-Porter had a day out riding Blonde Star, Dalton Dancer and Kaliuwaa Falls to victory.
In the first leg of NARS, Johnston-Porter gained points for WA when his mount Whiz By ran third to Jehbenti.
A satisfied Johnston-Porter reflected on a successful week in the saddle.
"It was my first treble which was really good," Johnston-Porter said to The Races WA.
"It was an enjoyable time riding against new riders and on a new track.
"It's an experience I can definitely learn and grow from.
"It's been a good week."
Cassey Martinan, who kicked off proceedings for WA in the opening leg of NARS in Adelaide last week, partnered Shell Bell to victory at Pinjarra on Sunday.
It continued a good patch of form for Martinan, who celebrated one of her best days in the saddle with a treble at Albany a fortnight ago.
Martinan said the trip to Adelaide and riding at Murray Bridge was an invaluable learning experience.
"I enjoyed it quite a lot," Martinan said.
"It was a really nice track to ride on, it was quite a big track with a long straight.
"It was great to learn and experience something different and meet new people.
"It sort of just reinforces wanting to keep getting better."
Luke Campbell savoured the biggest moment of his fledgling career when winning his first Listed race on Mood Swings in the Grandstand Cup (1500m) at Ascot.
One of Perth's leading junior riders, the George Dupre-trained Mood Swings was perfectly rated in front by Campbell who gave a fist pump when crossing the line.
"Other than riding the first winner of my career and a few other special moments, this sits right up there," Campbell said.
"He (Mood Swings) really found for me.
"I'm really appreciative for the ride, there were plenty of other senior jockeys and good riders sitting in the jockey's room who could have been riding it."
Rose Mahony also gave a polished front-running exhibition when she steered Salvara to a win in the Pingrup Cup (1660m) on Saturday.
The Esperance-eight-year-old, trained by Josh Brown, gave Mahony her first cup success and 21st winner of the season.
Chanel Cooper closed out the Pingrup meeting on Got Ya, the second-leg of a double after the win of Altomega.
Cooper, indentured to leading trainers Grant and Alana Williams, commenced her apprenticeship in February and landed her first winner a month later on Prince Ragnar at Pinjarra.
Perth will host the next leg of NARS on April 3. Maddi Derrick, a late replacement for the suspended Victoria Corver, will look to improve WA's ladder position at Ascot.
On seven points, the Sandgropers currently are in fourth position, trailing South Australia on 22 points, Tasmania 16 points and the Northern Territory 13 points.
There are two NARS events remaining with Mahony representing WA in Darwin on April 12 and Campbell in Brisbane on April 17.
