Apprentice jockey Sharni Webster’s win on Magnachine at Northam on Thursday was a proud moment and a true family affair with generations of racing heritage on hand to cheer her as she returned to scale.
Magnachine sat outside of the leader Delicate Ruler, but they swapped positions past the post with the former edging ahead to claim victory by a short head in the Witten Irrigation And Design Handicap (1300m).
Magnachine’s second win took a while to come-17-months after her first at Belmont and gave Neville Parnham a training double after three-year-old filly Talkaway took care of her rivals in race one.
Webster, who made her saddle debut at Kalgoorlie on Good Friday and rode her first winner aboard Pretty Devine at York, comes from one of Western Australia’s most iconic racing lineages:
Her father, Glenn Webster, was a former trainer and bookmaker.
Her grandfather Graeme Webster Sr was an accomplished jockey who had notable association to WA racing greats: Ngawyni and Asian Beau.
Webster’s wife, Maureen, is the daughter of Ted McAuliffe, a member of WA Racing’s Hall Of Fame.
His list of major race credits includes the Perth Cup, Railway Stakes, WA Derby, WA Oaks, WA Guineas and Karrakatta Plate.
Webster’s uncle and apprentice mentor, Neville Parnham, holds the record for most Perth trainer premierships and her cousins: Steven, Brad and Chris Parnham are all accomplished jockeys with elite reputations.
Webster said Magnachine’s win was made all the more memorable having her parents and family on course to share the moment.
“Mum and dad have finally got to see me ride a winner now,” Webster said.
“I would like to thank my boss, Neville, for the opportunities, it’s been amazing.
“I would also like to thank nan and pop, they have a part share in the horse, congratulations to them.
“And of course, to mum and dad.”
Although Webster pursued academic paths, she holds two university degrees and is working on a third, she eventually followed her heart into racing.
She’s loving life as an apprentice jockey and is embracing every opportunity to learn and grow in the saddle.
“I’m loving every minute of it so far,” Webster said.
Julio Santarelli