Neville Parnham knows a thing or two about apprentice jockeys, and he’s been impressed with what Rocky Cheung has brought to the table.
Parnham, father to successful riders Steven, Brad, and Chris, has spent years mentoring up-and-coming jockeys and guiding them into professional ranks.
Over his extensive career, Parnham has helped a long list of promising apprentices make the leap to full-time jockeys.
Cheung, originally from Hong Kong, now calls Perth home, and according to Parnham, he’s settling in with ease.
Having made the move in March, Cheung wasted no time getting results—securing four wins in his first month, including a winning double at Pingrup.
He also found success at Albany before getting his first win for Parnham last weekend aboard Good Vibes at Narrogin.
Parnham credits Cheung’s foundation in Hong Kong as a key factor in his rapid rise in WA racing.
“He came from Hong Kong clearly advanced as far as experience and early education goes,” Parnham said on Tabradio.
“He was able to compete in a hundred plus barrier trials over there, so when he lobbed here, he was nearly ready to go.
“He’s definitely advanced quickly and is extremely well liked by people and staff around the place, fellow trainers and riders.
“He’s quite a nice kid and he will go a long way in a career being a jockey, for sure.
“He’s advanced quite quickly.”
Cheung has already ridden at several WA tracks, including Pingrup, Geraldton, Albany, and Narrogin.
He’s now within reach of an important milestone in Perth city racing.
“He’s willing to learn and is getting great feedback,” Parnham said.
“He’s taking it all in to see how it can help his style.
“He’s already ridden four winners and is one win from being able to compete on a metropolitan mid-week meeting.
“He’s going to be a good addition and I’m sure he’s going to be well supported.”