Deanne Panya enjoys a varied career, as a jockey, artist and skateboarder! Just back from successfully competing overseas, she took time out to give us the chance to learn more about her…
Do you come from a horse/racing family?
Not at all. My parents have never had anything to do with horses until I kept nagging them for one!
Did you always want to be a jockey?
Yes, itt was always my childhood dream, ever since I was in primary school watching the Melbourne Cup on TV.
What is your first racing memory?
Watching Makybe Diva win the Melbourne Cup.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Goldfinch because I was there for her entire career from start to finish and we teamed up together across metro meetings in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Who is the best horse you have ridden?
I had the honour of riding and winning on She Will Reign. Otherwise the best horse I have sat on would be Pierata.
Who is the best horse you have seen?
Winx.
Your favourite racing moment?
Winning the Magic Millions Cup in 2017 and having family and friends with me.
Your best ride?
I would have to say on My Psychiatrist because it looked like she was gone at the turn with horses from behind passing her but I didn’t give up – and she didn’t give up. I kept riding her and she won the race at Rosehill. That was the same day I rode at Kembla Grange earlier that day, winning on She Will Reign (by 8 1/4 lengths at debut).
Best ride of another jockey you have seen?
I can’t recall one specific ride off the top of my head at the moment, but Nash Rawiller has definitely produced some incredible rides over the years. What stands out to me is his ability to make unconventional decisions in races that somehow just work. He’s very instinctive and confident, and he has pulled off some amazing moves to get horses across the line in situations where others may not have taken the chance.
Is there a ride you wish you could do again?
Plenty, but hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Which horse currently racing would you love to be riding?
Ka Ying Rising.
Which horse from the past would you love to have ridden?
Black Caviar would have been a dream for me.
Do you think horses know they have won?
Yes, especially the ones who have a will to win and do it again and again. The ones who pin their ears back to fight then prick their ears up after the finish line.
If you time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
I would never travel into the past even if it meant a better result for a little moment. Things wouldn’t be as they are today! I always look ahead.
Who do you admire most in racing?
The person I admire most would be my partner Steve Englebrecht. He’s incredibly patient, a true horseman, and someone who has experienced both a lot of success and a lot of failure throughout his life and career. What I admire most is that the hard times never seem to change who he is or bring him down. He stays grounded, keeps working, and keeps moving forward no matter what’s happening around him. I think that resilience and perspective is something really special.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
I’d love to see more focus on the people behind the scenes. Racing provides careers for so many different people other than the ones recognised daily on TV such as jockeys and trainers. Showcasing those stories could help attract new participants into the industry while also giving recognition to the people who make race day possible.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
Blake Shinn’s accidental moonshine live on TV passing the winning post after his wardrobe malfunction!
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Painting, skateboarding, video editing, anything to do with computers, gaming. Learning something new.
What is your favourite T.V show/movie?
Lord Of The Rings and The Matrix.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Bring Me The Horizon.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
It’s now or never.
Favourite food?
Mum’s cooking; beef pho noodles.
Favourite racecourse?
Rosehill.
If you had not been a jockey what would you have done?
Similar to what I am doing now – forever exploring new avenues whether I am a jockey or not. Painting and skating and always learning something new.
Tell us a bit about your current adventure!
My current adventure has been getting back into downhill skateboarding after 13 years away from the sport. I’ve recently returned home to Sydney after a trip to Canada and Hong Kong with the main purpose of competing in the legendary Attack Of Danger Bay races in British Columbia, Canada. It was an incredible experience in a beautiful part of the world. I love travelling, but funnily enough it was my first real holiday since 2017, and that trip also happened to be in British Columbia – although that time I was exploring the wilderness on horseback rather than on a skateboard. The trip was a great reminder that it’s never too late to try something new or return to something you once loved. After being back on a board for only six months, coming away with a silver medal at Danger Bay was far beyond my expectations. Looking ahead, my next goal is to compete at the World Skate Games in Paraguay this October. It’s an ambitious goal, but I’ve always believed it’s important to have something to strive for. Whether I achieve everything I set out to or not; the journey, the people you meet, and the experiences along the way are what make it worthwhile.
