Clint Johnston-Porter celebrated an outstanding 2015-16 racing season by taking home three of the major titles at Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s (RWWA) Apprentice Awards on Monday.
The talented young rider, acknowledged by an audience of industry, government and media representatives at Fraser Suites in Perth, won Leading Metropolitan Apprentice Jockey, Leading Regional Apprentice Jockey and Leading Outer Provincial Jockey.
Johnston-Porter, who commenced his apprenticeship in 2014 under the guidance of six time champion trainer, Adam Durrant, rode 107 winners including 41 at metropolitan level to finish third to William Pike and Lucy Warwick in the Leading Metropolitan Jockey premiership.
Sarah Bonner was rewarded for her hard work and dedication by being named Most Promising Junior Rider. Bonner has taken giant strides since being granted a permit to ride in races last year and attracted national attention when she posted her maiden city win on Galaxy Son in the National Apprentice Challenge at Ascot.
Shelby Colgate was crowned Trainee Apprentice of the Year. The award is based on a trainee who shows dedication and aptitude around the stables and in track work and trials. Colgate landed the first of eight winners aboard Duke Of Downs at Norseman.
Last season’s Trainee Apprentice of the Year, Mollie Clarke, won Leading Country Apprentice Jockey. Indentured to host trainer, Brett Pope, she rode 22 winners including her first victory on Gannochy at Mt Magnet.
Despite Lucy Warwick’s 2015-16 apprentice season lasting just three months her achievements, professionalism, attitude and promotion of racing made her a unanimous winner of Best All Round Apprentice.