It was a massive 48 hours for emerging young rider, Tayla Stone, one that she is still revelling in.
Last Friday at home base in Albany she clinched leading junior rider, her first major award.
24 hours later Stone landed her first city winner when Chasing Chaos won a thriller at Belmont Park.
“It was probably one of the best things I have ever done in my career,” Stone said on TABradio.
“There is nothing that can stop that feeling at the moment.
“The early mornings and the cold can make it tough sometimes, but all the rewards make it worthy and a little bit easier.”
Stones milestone weekend is testament to her persistence and perseverance.
Her career is mapping along smoothly after a rocky beginning two years ago.
On the eve of her first race ride she suffered a nasty injury that placed her future in jeopardy.
Stone fractured her left hip and lower back after a horse trained by her father, Darryl, fell on her before a Lark Hill workout.
The injuries kept Stone in Royal Perth Hospital for three days before she commenced her slow and arduous rehabilitation.
Once fully recovered Stone opted to launch her riding career in New South Wales and landed her maiden win at Nowra.
After a year away she returned home to post her first WA win on Deceleration for host trainer, Steve Wolfe in Albany.
Stone and Wolfe continue to forge a close partnership with Chasing Chaos winning four races this campaign including twice at Bunbury and Mount Barker.
“I’m lucky the boss kept me on for town,” Stone said.
“He has been really good to me and is helping me out.
“I’m just putting my head down and taking all the advice I get.”
Stone is also making her mark in Kalgoorlie this season. She has ridden four winners and is one behind, Sarah Bonner, in the leading apprentice award.
She has linked up with Merv Dellar’s Ningbo, a Star Witness filly who is displaying promise and won her previous race in the goldfields by six lengths.
“She has been going really good and hopefully there are more wins in store,” Stone said.
Former top jockey and Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s (RWWA) Riding Master, John Claite, was renowned for his dedication in the saddle.
He says Stone, who has ridden 28 winners this season including 22 at provincial, five at country and one at city level, was destined for a bright future.
“She has done really well and horses run for her,” Claite said.
“She has a good boss who is giving her opportunities, but she tries hard and has natural ability.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli