Leading Apprentice Michael Grantham has ridden his last race. Michael joined the Jockeys ranks in July 2010 and unfortunately he knew his opportunites would be limited due to his size. Michael had an immediate impact and showed great skill and judgement from the out set, we would like to congratulate him for all his hard work and success and we all know that Racing will be the big loser if he is lost to the sport. Hopefully Michael will find a new niche and we wish him luck with whatever path he chooses.

Steven Parnham showed his great skill in the saddle over the Summer Carnival when piloting Playing God to a memorable Group1 victory in the Kingston Town Stakes, making it his second Group 1 after Playing God saluted the previous year. Steven is the son of leading Trainer Neville Parnham and they also combined to take out the Group 2 Cox Stakes with God Has Spoken. Well done Steve and keep up the winners!

Kyra Yuill became the first female jockey to take out WA’s premier staying event the Perth Cup, this year being run on News Years Eve Day instead of the traditional New Years Day. Kyra has done a remarkable job as an apprentice and to win the Cup on the Bob and Sandra Peters owned Western Jewel, the moment would have been all the more special.

Kyra Yuill has conducted herself with great grace and dignity throughout her Apprenticeship and would have to be one of WA’s role models for all Apprentice jockeys at a time when many seem to be wasting many opportunities due to many social interferences.

As an organisation we would like to praise Kyra for all her hard work and wish her all the best for the future!