Flying the flag proudly for Western Australia in the National Apprentice Race Series (NARS), Rosie Mahony booted home a double to secure valuable points for her home state.
The 24-year-old Albany-based apprentice guided to victory $9 chance Bart’s Bullet before scoring a popular punters win aboard hot favourite Spaceship.
Mahony’s first Darwin Turf Club experience held no fears after riding on dirt tracks across Western Australia including Broome, Carnarvon and Port Hedland.
“It was an unbelievable experience,” Mahony said on Tabradio.
“It was incredible as I didn’t know what to expect.
“It was hot and humid and not unlike Broome.
“I went and rode work in the morning, it was nice to get a feel of the track before the races.
“I think it was an advantage for me because everyone else had pretty much ridden that track.
“It gave me equal playing terms with everyone.
“It all worked out really well.”
Mahony also had the support and sage advice of WA jockey coach, Peter Hall to draw on.
Hall is no stranger to Darwin racing, having led Ihtsahymn to a trifecta of victories, including the Darwin Cup (2000m) in 2019.
“It was a proud moment for Hally,” Mahony said.
“He got teary on me.
“He was so proud and happy when we go well.
“It’s the best feeling in the world having people around who give you so much support.”
Mahony’s Darwin double takes WA to 25 points and fourth position on the NARS leaderboard.
South Australia hold top billing ahead of the Northern Territory and Tasmania.
Victoria Corver will represent WA in the final leg at Doomben on Wednesday.
Introduced in 2008, NARS has become a well-established race series that pits apprentice riders in a series of rotating races across Australia.
