West Australian riders Keshaw Dhurun and Brayden Gaerth recently took on the country’s top apprentice jockeys and won during their heats of the National Apprentice Race Series 2023.
RWWA Racing Training Manager Sharyn Lancaster said the winning pair were chosen to compete in Australia’s premier race series for emerging talent, known as NARS, alongside teammates Cassey Martinan, Luke Campbell, Victoria Corver and Holly Watson.
“The series is a brilliant opportunity for apprentice jockeys to meet key people in racing and get experience riding on different tracks across the country,” Sharyn said.
“It’s a boost for their learning and development that gives them a head start in their careers.
“The team was chosen based not just on their riding abilities and who we thought would do well but also as a reward for good attitude and hard work throughout the year.”
The races were held in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia across March and April.
“WA’s border closures due to COVID kept us out of the race series for two years so it was great to see the apprentices have the chance to visit other states,” Sharyn said.
“It raises their profile and helps set them up for a successful future in racing.
“Unfortunately, we had to forfeit the South Australian heat due to injury and WA ranked fourth at the end of the series.
“This year’s title went to Queensland but WA has won before and we’re keen to take it back in 2024.”
