Ava Catarino’s Pingrup Cup (1660m) success was timely, it came at the opportune time for the young rider.
Any race win for a jockey is significant, more so for a young apprentice, but Saturday’s victory was laced with a sense of importance.
Punching the air in delight as she passed the winning post, Catarino basked in euphoria after guiding Striking Fella to a sweeping victory.
It was Catarino’s 25th win and ultimately could be her most important, the kick start and rejuvenation of her riding career.
Being an apprentice jockey can be a tough gig; it’s no easy feat and the physical and mental demands are as tough as any sport.
With family bloodlines steeped in Western Australian racing, Catarino has witnessed the incredible highs and disappointing lows of the industry.
As the daughter of former jockey and current trainer, David Catarino and granddaughter of Danny Miller, the fledgling apprentice has had incredible insight.
Miller had a decorated time of it in the saddle, winning a string of major Perth races including the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) with champion galloper, Northerly.
Following a dream to continue a family heritage was a sure bet for Catarino, however, she hit a mini roadblock last year, her passion was waning and diminishing.
After making her debut at Port Hedland in 2023, Catarino thought it best to step away and take a short break to recharge and rediscover her love of riding.
Getting to that point was a switch to trainer, Misty Bazeley, a former jockey who understands the hard knocks of racing better than most after her own riding career was cruelly cut short after a race fall.
Drawing inspiration, Catarino says Bazeley’s role in her comeback has been profound.
“It’s definitely a great thrill,” Catarino said on Tabradio.
“It feels like with all the hard work it’s starting to pay off and things are starting to fall into place a bit.
“I think the best way to describe it is it’s been like a roller coaster; it’s definitely been the ups and down.
“I started with Michael Lane; I was with him for a couple of years and changed to Lou Luciani.
“That was really good and I definitely learnt a lot from him.
“I think towards the end I just wasn’t happy being in Bunbury and ended up getting the opportunity of being an apprentice under Misty Bazeley.
“I’m really happy at the moment and she’s helped me out, done so much for me.
“She does a lot of work on the mechanical horse and helps me with my style.
“It’s given me the confidence that I needed to really start blossoming into the jockey I want to become.
“I’m excited by what’s to come in the future, being a jockey has always been my dream.”
With the first big race win under her belt and with renewed purpose, Catarino has mapped out further goals she’s determined to reach.
Her confidence and ambitions are now sky high.
“I’m definitely aiming high,” Catarino said.
“I want to ride as many winners as I can.
“I really want to outride my 3kg claim, that’s my biggest goal at the moment.
“This (Pingrup) is the highlight of my career.
“Hopefully, there’s many more to come.”
