From the sun and surf of Margaret River to the sun and red dirt of Broome.
Rosie Mahony swapped the surfboard for the saddle and after her weekend exploits, she’s riding the crest of a wave.
If a smile is worth a thousand pictures, then Mahony will have a life-time of memories to draw on after the Broome races on Saturday.
A cheerful Mahony had a day she’ll never forget after capturing a milestone riding double.
In just her fifth ride, Mahony landed her first winner aboard The Wise One and she capped a perfect day on stable mate King Of Planets.
Both victories achieved with skilful frontrunning rides and both prepared by respected trainer, Darryn Pateman.
To score your first win as an apprentice is a thrill, to do it twice on the same meeting is a huge windfall.
Apprenticed to Jim Taylor, Mahony said the sense and emotion she experienced following her wins was as good as it gets.
“It was amazing and such a great feeling,” Mahony told The Races WA.
“It’s not a feeling you are going to get anywhere else.
“Knowing that I had so much support from people behind made it even better.
“It was awesome, so cool and I’m stoked.”
Mahony unquestionably has the pedigree to be a successful jockey. Her family is steeped in the racing game.
She is the niece of top trainer, Justin Warwick and cousin of gun jockey Lucy Warwick.
Lucy Warwick made a spectacular start to her apprenticeship which saw her outrode her metropolitan claim within 17 months.
But a career path following her more famed cousin seemed just a remote prospect after a lifestyle change two years ago.
Mahony moved to Margaret River and took up surfing in one of the world’s most iconic surfing destinations.
“I grew up around horses, but a couple of years ago I had a change of lifestyle,” Mahony said.
“Being in that location you take up surfing and catching waves.
“It was a great time and a change of scenery to what I was used to.
“Being away from home taught me a lot and I think I grew up a bit.
“But horses were never really far away. Soon I was going over to Lucy and aunty Carol (Warwick) on a weekly basis riding showjumpers.
“It never really entered my head to get into racing, but after talking to Lucy, she encouraged me to have a go.
“I then moved back to Perth and joined Jim Taylor. That’s been an amazing experience and he’s been such great support.
“But I have to thank Lucy for her backing and encouragement.
“She got me to where I am today.”
If Mahoney can replicate a shadow of her cousin’s race-track success, she is destined to have a bright future in the saddle.
It’s a standard she is willing to emulate. Having ticked an early box in her fledgling career, she is hungry to chase down further wins.
“It’s good to get the monkey off your back,” Mahony said.
“No one was putting pressure on me, everyone told me to relax.
“But it was the internal pressure I put on myself and my expectations.
“I wanted to get it done fast.”
When pressed on what’s the best excitement, riding thoroughbred or catching waves, Mahony was unequivocal.
“Surfing and catching waves is great and it’s fun,” Mahony said.
“But there is nothing quite like the feeling of riding a fast horse and crossing the finishing line first.
“I love it.”
Julio Santarelli