The family dynasty continued at Esperance on Saturday.
This time it was Fred W Kersley’s time to steal the limelight when he rode his first winner as a jockey on Ripping Yarn.
The 17-year-old is the grandson of iconic trainer, Fred Kersley, a member of WA Racing’s Hall Of Fame.
Kersley’s mother, Kellie, also holds a momentous position in Australian racing folklore when in 1996 she became the first female to drive the winner of the Miracle Mile.
Kersley said after previous placings at Esperance, Northam, Geraldton and Ascot, he was relieved to land his first saddle success.
“It was a good thrill to finally get the monkey off my back,” Kersley told Tabradio’s The Sports Daily.
“It’s finally good to get it over and done with and find the line in front.
“The thrill of finding a winner is definitely what I expected.”
Kersley, who commenced his apprenticeship at Northam last month, said he had another goal he wanted to achieve in racing.
“I had a goal to get my first winner out of the way and I have been lucky enough to accomplish that pretty early,” Kersley said.
“But now its head down and try and get that first winner for pop, which would mean a lot to me and my whole family.”
Kersley said the guidance of his grandfather would play a pivotal role in his development.
“He doesn’t say much, but when he does he normally is spot on,” Kersley said.
“He is probably my biggest critic in a constructive way.
“I’m pretty privileged to have him as a grandfather.”
Kersley can break his city duck with three rides at Ascot on Wednesday including two for his grandfather, Pick Up Line in race one and Bjorn To Love in the sixth.
He also combines with the Nick Cox-trained Young George in the last of the eight race midweek card.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli