Kate Pateman’s return to racing reached its pinnacle on Saturday when she booted home The Coolakin King at Roebourne to secure the Country Racing Association’s Leading Jockey title.
It marked an outstanding comeback for Pateman who stepped away from racing for four years to focus on family life following the birth of her second child and she hasn’t looked back.
Juggling the demands of family life with the intensity of race riding is no easy matter but her ability to balance both challenges is testament to her skill and determination.
Pateman was thrilled to win the Leading Jockey award, describing it as rewarding after being absent from the riding ranks for such an extended period.
Being back in the saddle has reignited her competitive instincts.
“Definitely thrilled,” Pateman said on Tabradio.
“It’s something I didn’t expect to happen so soon after a comeback.
“It’s great.”
Handling the hard work of racing hasn't been done on her own, Pateman credits much of her success in the past season to the support of her partner and trainer, Aaron Pateman.
“It was a bit hard early but both kids are older,” Pateman said.
“I’m lucky to have family support to look after the girls when Aaron and I are both racing.
“If Aaron’s home he has the girls and it’s a good support system we have going.
“We’re loving it and it’s all working out.
“Aaron has always been a great father, and I’ve never had to ask him to do more than he already does.”
While Pateman strutted her stuff admirably in the bush, her standout season was also punctuated with memorable wins in town.
Pateman celebrated her first Saturday success since her comeback on Kerman Rock, rating the horse perfectly in front and teamed up with Aaron to score their first win as a partnership when On The Full proved to quick at Ascot in April.
After a season to savour, Pateman hopes she can live up to it again in the next 12-months.
“I hope to do it all again,” Pateman said.
“I love my country tracks.”
With the 2024-25 season officially ending on Thursday, Pateman has ridden 36 winners, 25 in the country, seven at provincial meetings and four in town.
Other Country Racing Association winners were Sharni Webster, Leading Apprentice, Leigh Murray, as Leading Trainer and Fries With That, Horse Of The Year.
Julio Santarelli