Top jockey Natasha Faithfull’s racing season is filled with strong finishes including 37 country wins and culminating in the title of WA Leading Country Jockey of the Year.
The Great Southern star led the field at the 2021 WA Thoroughbred Country Racing Awards, just as she has this year in races such as the Mingenew Cup and Roebourne Ladies Bracelet on northern favourite Plead the Fifth.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s General Manager Racing Charlotte Mills said Natasha has had an impressive season.
“Natasha has always wanted a career with horses, even though she didn’t come from a horsey family, and she made it happen through courage and determination,” said Charlotte.
“Her attitude is inspiring, she should be immensely proud of her achievements both on and off track.”
Karnup-based trainer Darryn Pateman won the 2021 WA Country Trainer of the Year, notching up season stats of 34 country wins including the Junction Cup with Macavity and the Moora and Collie Cups with star gelding Andreini.
“Darryn has continued to star in country racing this season, consistently showing superior form as a visiting trainer on regional tracks and achieving fantastic results across the state,” Charlotte said.
Following on from her success at the 2021 Apprentice Jockey Awards, Jessica Gray took out the Leading Country Apprentice Award, with 29 winners for the season.
“Jessica has excelled since starting her apprenticeship in 2017. She’s had a terrific season, riding at her best across many country race tracks in WA,” Charlotte said.
A dedicated member of the country racing industry for over fifty years, Don Hammarquist OAM was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.
As the long-term President of the Eastern Gascoyne Race Club, he runs and facilitates the annual Landor Races and continues to make a significant contribution to the local community as President of the Shire of Upper Gascoyne.
Rounding out the awards with an impressive five country wins each for the 2020/21 WA Country Horse of the Year were Casual Trade, Helms Gate and King of Planets.
The awards were presented at Ascot Racecourse on Friday, 29 October 2021.