Sharni Webster to add to family dynasty

Sharni Webster is ready to make her long-awaited debut as a jockey this Good Friday at Kalgoorlie, marking the beginning of what she hopes will be a meaningful career in racing.

Coming from a family with a deep-rooted connection to WA racing, Webster's decision to pursue riding feels like a natural progression—even if it came after a successful academic journey that includes two university degrees and a third nearly completed.

She’s the daughter of Glenn Webster, a former trainer and bookmaker, and the granddaughter of Graeme Webster Sr, a former star jockey whose partnerships with Ngawyni and Asian Beau are the stuff of WA turf legend.

Her great-grandfather Ted McAuliffe was a renowned trainer and 2019 WA Racing Hall of Fame inductee, with victories in the Perth Cup, Railway Stakes, WA Derby, WA Oaks, WA Guineas, and Karrakatta Plate.

Sharni’s uncle Neville Parnham is one of the most successful trainers in WA history, while her cousins Steven, Brad, and Chris Parnham are all respected jockeys. That pedigree has helped guide her late but focused entry into riding.

“I’ve grown around horses and racing all my life,” Webster told Racing WA.

“I was always at the races consistently as a kid.

“I obviously have the three cousins related to the Parnham’s.

“Chris and myself are the same age and we kind of grew up as brother and sister.

“But I wasn’t hands on or involved until I dated Mack Hall.

“He’s a young trainer and been a massive help.

“When he started breaking in horses, I thought what better time to learn to ride horses.

“I had gone this far in life being so involved with horses but never learnt to ride.

“It annoyed me a little that I couldn’t ride

“It kind of went from there and I fell in love with it.

“My weight was ok, and it became a possibility.

“I definitely want to have a crack at it now.

“I don’t want to put a time frame on it, just see what happens.”

Sharni’s move into racing also reflects a broader shift in the industry. Where once female jockeys were rare, they now regularly compete and win at the top level. The influence of riders like Michelle Payne has only accelerated that trend, and Webster is eager to play her part.

“Without being sexist, when I was growing up there were no female jockeys,” Webster said.

“In my head it was a definite no-no.

“It’s changed now, and we are kind of dominating.

“I just want to see how far I can push myself, what my capabilities are.

“I’ve always been a sporty kid growing up, so I’ve got that competitive side.

“I’m excited to be involved and to have my own name in the family history.”

With Neville Parnham as her host trainer and mentor, Webster has a solid support system behind her. But she knows that family ties won’t guarantee success in the saddle.

“He can be a tough boss,” she said.

“That’s his style and manner.

“But I know he is that way because he wants me to do well.”

Webster’s background in sports science and health, and her near-complete nursing degree, have helped develop the mental resilience and discipline she’ll need as an apprentice jockey.

“I did sports science and exercise and health at UWA,” Webster said.

“I worked from that in a medical centre for a couple of years and worked alongside nurses.

“I thought I may as well do that, and I have about six units left for a nursing degree.

“I deferred for a year because it’s always something good to fall back onto.

“I would be stupid if I didn’t finish it.”

Looking ahead to her debut, Webster admits to a mix of nerves and anticipation—but the overriding emotion is excitement.

“I think it’s good nerves,” she said.

“I’m okay for now, but it could be a different story behind the gates on Friday.

“I’m very excited.”