Apprentice jockey Rosie Mahony has always looked up to her cousin, WA’s leading female jockey, Lucy Fiore.
For Mahony, Fiore isn’t just a family member – the Perth Cup-winning hoop is the ultimate role model both on and off the racetrack.
In a sport where men and women compete side-by-side for equal prizemoney, Fiore’s achievements against her male counterparts have been a constant source of inspiration for Mahony, fuelling her own aspirations in the WA riding ranks.
“I’ve always looked up to her and I still look up to her, she’s a great role model and she’s so positive,” Mahony told Racing WA.
“Lucy has taught me a lot in my career – all the senior girls have a wealth of knowledge and they’re always happy to help.”
Mahony has cut her teeth as an apprentice at regional racecourses around the State, riding at places including Broome and Port Hedland in the State’s north to Mt Barker, Albany and Esperance in the south.
“Country tracks are fantastic and riding at them is a great way to get out and experience WA and ride different horses,” she said.
“It’s really fun going to the regional and one-off meeting’s because the club volunteers put a lot of effort into them and the whole town gets involved.
“At some dirt meetings I’ve been to I’ve raced against all female jockeys, it’s really unique and fun.”
Women are well represented in WA’s thoroughbred and harness codes, showcasing the significant role women play in racing.
Of WA’s 48 jockeys, 22 (45.8 per cent) are female and 116 (29.29 per cent) of the State’s 396 licensed thoroughbred trainers are female.
There are 86 licenced female harness participants in WA (10 driver license only, 70 trainers’ license only and six dual licensed).
In September, 12 new aspiring female jockeys joined Racing WA’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program adding to the strong representation of women in the sport.
“I always want to be someone the younger apprentices can feel comfortable to be around and I try be a role model for them in how I behave,” Mahony said.
Emerging jockey Madi Derrick celebrated a 2023-24 stellar season winning the Leading WA Metropolitan and State Apprentice Jockey titles, as well as the prestigious Damien Oliver Award.
It’s not just woman on the track making an impact but also owners and trainers as well as various roles throughout the industry from stable hands to stewards, helping to promote female leadership within racing.
“Girls are definitely taking more interest in the sport and creating pathways for the next generation, proving we’re just as good as the guys,” she said.