WA Racing

SOMETHING GOOD

Steven Parnham had every reason to look contented after the $150,000 Group 3, Northerly Stakes (1400m), at Ascot on October 15.

Parnham is always reflective, never brash, with a quiet unobtrusive personality that commands, and gets, respect. There are never outbursts of emotion, either for good or bad from this young veteran of the saddle, who has fully savoured the highs and lows of the Sport of Kings.

But he knew his last stride win on rising galloper Lite ‘N In My Veins was something special and he rated it highly, perhaps only behind his three Group 1 Kingston Town Classic successes- with Playing God (2010-11) for his father, Neville, and then with Ihtsahymn (2013) for Fred Kersley.

Parnham knew, upon dismounting, he had delivered something special, again, for Kersley, breeder Neville Duncan, and part-owner Reg Webb. Their feelings never overstated were palpable and Parnham is one of the most cerebral jockeys in the business. He read their feelings like he had read the race.

Kersley and Duncan, in particular, are not outwardly emotional men but both were clearly touched that their promising young galloper had won this race.

 The great trainer had prepared the great racehorse in his outstanding career and now those famous gold and black colours had triumphed again, in a race that bore Northerly’s name.

Webb, for whom Parnham has delivered plenty of winners for over the years, including the 2013 Kingston Town Classic, said he had a major heart surgery only four months ago. At the presentation he quipped he thought he was going to need another bypass as Lite’n In My Veins thundered home to snatch victory from the Bob Peters owned pair, Ideal Image (Joe Azzopardi) and Perfect Reflection (William Pike).

Imploring Parnham not to cut it so fine, in future, this veteran owner also said it was great to have a trainer older then himself in which to discuss things! This win will clearly be high on their list when they reminisce in future.

Parnham, in fact, had his horse nicely balanced, being just slightly worse than mid field for most of the race and although Azzopardi had given his mount every chance the Parnham late surge had the look of inevitability about it, even though the margin was only a half-head.

Will the promising four year old run in the Railway Stakes (1600m)?

Certainly Neville Duncan considers, potentially, the galloper’s best distance would as a ‘miler’ with 1800m the outer limits, the latter distance being the Kingston Town distance.

Steven Parnham may well have an interesting Christmas carnival ahead, and his association with Messrs Kersley, Duncan and Webb, remains unfinished business.