Natasha Faithfull looks well placed to reignite her Western Australian career with a strong book of rides at Albany on Saturday.
Faithfull has chosen her old stamping ground to launch her comeback after spending three months over east in Queensland.
The diminutive jockey left Perth last September and what commenced as a working holiday extended to a three month stay.
Based in the heart of Queensland racing at Deagon, just a 15 minute drive from Doomben, Faithfull posted one win and eight placings from 38 rides.
She combined with trainer Darlene Duryea and her six-year-old mare, Pocillo, to win over 1200m at Beaudesert last November.
Faithfull, aged 21, said her first stint away from home, was an invaluable learning experience.
“It was a real eye-opener and I learnt so much,” Faithfull said.
“Everything they do is so much different to what I was used to at home.
“But I wasn’t getting regular rides and especially this time of the year with better races
“Combined with a little bit of homesickness it was a good time to come home.
“I don’t regret going and won’t rule out returning, but would plan it a bit better than I did.”
Faithfull will fancy booting home a winner if not better on her return.
Kongsberg, Hey Listen, Friarfighter and the Justin Warwick trained-Lets Go Lakers and My Diamond Peg are five of eight mounts with sound winning claims.
“Justin doesn’t mess around if he is travelling with his horses,” Faithfull said.
“They both have very good Bunbury form.
“I have a couple of good chances.”
Faithfull, who started riding at pony club and did show jumping in Albany, commenced her apprenticeship in 2012 under the guidance of leading Great Southern horseman, Steve Wolfe.
After 30 rides she landed her first win on Infinite Star at Kalgoorlie before a completing a milestone city victory aboard, Terminado, for veteran trainer, Don Daniels.
Faithfull was crowned Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s (RWWA) Leading Regional Rider in 2014 and won the Carbine Club of WA’s Damian Beckett award a year earlier.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli