Sharni Webster is set to launch her riding career at Kalgoorlie this Good Friday, stepping into the saddle for the first time in a professional race.
The 27-year-old comes from a long line of WA racing legends, and although her career path initially took a different turn—earning multiple university degrees—Webster has made a late but enthusiastic leap into the sport.
Her family’s influence runs deep. Her father, Glenn Webster, was both a trainer and bookmaker, while her grandfather, Graeme Webster Sr, made a name for himself as one of WA’s top jockeys, famously riding champions Ngawyni and Asian Beau.
On her maternal side, she’s linked to WA Racing Hall of Famer Ted McAuliffe, winner of major features like the Perth Cup, Railway Stakes, WA Derby, WA Oaks, WA Guineas, and Karrakatta Plate.
Her uncle Neville Parnham holds a record 14 Perth trainer premierships, and his sons—Steven, Brad, and Chris—are all well-established jockeys.
Though she didn’t originally set out to ride, Webster felt the pull of the family legacy and eventually took the plunge into racing after dating young trainer Mack Hall, who sparked her interest in learning to ride.
“I’ve grown around horses and racing all my life,” Webster told Racing WA.
“I was always at the races consistently as a kid.
“I obviously have the three cousins related to the Parnham’s.
“Chris and myself are the same age and we kind of grew up as brother and sister.
“But I wasn’t hands on or involved until I dated Mack Hall.
“He’s a young trainer and been a massive help.
“When he started breaking in horses, I thought what better time to learn to ride horses.
“I had gone this far in life being so involved with horses but never learnt to ride.
“It annoyed me a little that I couldn’t ride
“It kind of went from there and I fell in love with it.
“My weight was ok, and it became a possibility.
“I definitely want to have a crack at it now.
“I don’t want to put a time frame on it, just see what happens.”
Webster also acknowledges the rise of female participation in the sport, noting how drastically the landscape has changed since her childhood.
“Without being sexist, when I was growing up there were no female jockeys,” Webster said.
“In my head it was a definite no-no.
“It’s changed now, and we are kind of dominating.
“I just want to see how far I can push myself, what my capabilities are.
“I’ve always been a sporty kid growing up, so I’ve got that competitive side.
“I’m excited to be involved and to have my own name in the family history.”
Webster will ride under the guidance of her uncle Neville Parnham, a respected mentor of young jockeys. She’s realistic about the challenge ahead and knows the support from family doesn’t mean the road will be easy.
“He can be a tough boss,” she said.
“That’s his style and manner.
“But I know he is that way because he wants me to do well.”
With a background in sports science and health, and near completion of a nursing degree, Webster brings a disciplined mindset to the industry. She has deferred her studies but hasn’t closed the door on finishing them.
“I did sports science and exercise and health at UWA,” Webster said.
“I worked from that in a medical centre for a couple of years and worked alongside nurses.
“I thought I may as well do that, and I have about six units left for a nursing degree.
“I deferred for a year because it’s always something good to fall back onto.
“I would be stupid if I didn’t finish it.”
As Friday’s Kalgoorlie debut approaches, Webster is feeling a wave of anticipation and excitement about what lies ahead.
“I think it’s good nerves,” she said.
“I’m okay for now, but it could be a different story behind the gates on Friday.
“I’m very excited.”
