WA apprentices shine bright in national series

Jockey Victoria Corver is taking it one ride at a time as she approaches the end of her apprenticeship.

Victoria Corver, who is set to join WA’s senior riding ranks next month, has spent the past four years as an apprentice jockey in Racing WA’s Apprentice Jockey Traineeship Program.

“I am taking it each days as it comes, but hopefully as a senior rider I can make associations with horses that become group level or listed runners,” she said.

“Sharyn (Racing WA’s Racing Training Manager) and RWWA have made massive advancements with the program, which really helps upcoming apprentices.”

Corver represented WA in the last leg of the 2024 National Apprentice Race Series (NARS) at Doomben last week, describing it as a great experience.

“The series was very educational,” she said.

“Having the opportunity to be exposed to different trainers, horses and jockeys was a great learning curve — plus it was interesting to ride the Doomben track, given they race the other way around.”

WA came third in the series, finishing one point behind Northern Territory in second with South Australia taking out first place.

Corver piloted the David Vandyke-trained Jungle Jet to a tough second, to claim the top points in the opening NARs race at Doomben, before receiving points for third aboard $101 chance Too Much Makeup in the second NARS leg.

Apprentices Cassey Martinan, Zephen Johnston-Porter, Madi Derrick and Rosie Mahony also represented WA during the 2024 edition of NARS.

Mahony rode an impressive double at Darwin on April 12 in her two heats of the series to give WA a late chance at claiming victory.

“It still doesn’t feel real, that I won them both, it was such a good experience and so much fun,” Mahony said.

“I learnt a lot from the horses over there and the apprentice jockeys, and the different ways apprentices across the country do things.”

Mahony thanked Racing WA jockey coach Peter Hall for accompanying her to the Northern Territory, while also thanking riding coach John Claite and Sharyn for their ongoing advice and support.

Sharyn said NARS provided apprentices involved in Racing WA’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program a fantastic opportunity to ply their trade interstate against fellow apprentices.

“The Racing Training Team is extremely proud of WA’s effort in the series,” she said.

“All apprentices said they gained valuable experiences from being able to ride in different states, experience new tracks and collaborate with other apprentices.”