Sharni Webster is charting a new course in life, preparing to make her riding debut at Kalgoorlie on Good Friday as she begins a career in racing.
The 27-year-old from a well-known Western Australian racing family is following in some very familiar footsteps, joining a lineage steeped in goldfields racing tradition.
Though she’s already earned two university degrees and is nearing completion of a third, Webster has decided to pivot away from academia and embrace the racing world full-time.
Her heritage in the sport runs deep—her father Glenn Webster trained and worked as a bookmaker, while her grandfather, Graeme Webster Sr, forged a celebrated riding career, remembered best for his partnerships with WA greats Ngawyni and Asian Beau.
Graeme’s wife, Maureen, is the daughter of Perth Cup-winning trainer Ted McAuliffe, a 2019 WA Racing Hall of Fame inductee who also won the Railway Stakes, WA Derby, WA Oaks, WA Guineas, and Karrakatta Plate.
Her uncle, Neville Parnham, holds the record for the most Perth trainer premierships, with 14 to his name. His sons—Steven, Brad, and Chris—are all accomplished jockeys in their own right.
It’s no surprise then, that Sharni Webster feels destined to join them in the industry, even if her journey began later than most.
“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 is also inspired by the rise of women in racing—a space once overwhelmingly male-dominated. Since women were first allowed to compete professionally in the 1970s, participation has continued to grow, with stars like Michelle Payne, and locally, Lucy Fiore, Holly Watson, Jade McNaught, and Kyra Yuill leading the way.
“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.”
She’ll kick off her career under the watchful eye of her uncle Neville Parnham, who has guided many apprentices and boasts a long track record of mentoring success.
While the family name may open doors, Webster knows her results will have to speak for themselves.
“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.”
Webster is bringing the same dedication to racing that she showed in her studies. With degrees in sports science and health from UWA, and only a few units shy of completing her nursing degree, she has plenty to fall back on.
“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 her Kalgoorlie debut approaches, Webster is experiencing a mix of nerves and excitement—but she’s ready to embrace the challenge.
“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.”