Albany jockey Rosie Mahony notches winning double in Narrogin, Tash Faithfull rides first three winners

Talented apprentice jockey Rosie Mahony has made a successful return to the saddle, riding two winners at Narrogin on Monday after a long layoff with a serious shoulder injury. The Albany-based Mahony won both the Narrogin Observer Handicap (1720m) with Warralea Lass and the Super Dry 3.5 Handicap (1190m) with Wise Words on Narrogin Race and Pace’s seven-race card. Mahony has been out for seven months with a troublesome shoulder injury and said riding a double win at Narrogin was a great start to her comeback. “It was the perfect way to come back, I was happy to give them a win,” she said. “I’m excited to see what happens in the next few months.” With Mahony aboard, four-year-old Warralea Lass ($3.70) drew barrier five led from start to finish in a commanding display to beat Jolly Lace ($12) by more than two lengths. It was a second win in three starts for the Steve Wolfe-trained Warralea Lass. Mahony’s unexpected second wind came in the final race of the day, aboard Ray Malpass-trained Wise Words ($15). The mare settled in second in running but gave it her all in the last 200m to edge out Pretty Divine ($6.50) on the line. Another Albany rider Tash Faithfull scored a winning treble in the first three races of the day, setting the tone of the Great Southern contingent at the meeting. Aboard Desert Edge ($2.30), Faithfull took the win in the opening race of the day over 1900m by more than four lengths. Faithfull then booted home Keggs Later ($2.80) to win the Tabtouch Past The Post Payouts Maiden Handicap (1720m) by a neck and then the Drive Home with Cliff Maiden Handicap (1190m) by nearly a length with three year-old gelding Scenic Boom ($4.20). Great Southern trainer Justin Parsons and jockey Austin Galati took the win in race six, with Galati booting five year-old Speed Bubble ($14) to a narrow victory over the favourite Good Vibes ($2.50). The Swan Draught Cup Day Handicap (1100m) was won by Elsa’s Pride ($3.20) for jockey Taj Dyson and trainer Mack Hall, as they beat Albert ($10) by more than a length.