Parnham brothers handed tough task in Origin Jockeys Series

A CHANGE in the conditions for allocating rides in the Origin Jockeys Series makes the task confronting WA’s Parnham brothers a forlorn one at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Steve Parnham. Picture: Graeme Collopy

A CHANGE in the conditions for allocating rides in the Origin Jockey series makes the task confronting Western Australia’s Parnham brothers a forlorn one tomorrow as they have their first look at Eagle Farm.

Steven Parnham, a three-time winner of WA’s Kingston Town Classic, and his brother Brad, have been marked as clear $51 outsiders for Saturday’s Origin series opener with UBET and $26 chances to win the entire series.

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Last year the likely market order was taken into consideration and the Origin jockeys allocated by Racing Queensland. This year trainers chose the riders themselves and that has led to a lopsided market for the opener, with NSW duo Tim Clark and Michael Rodd the $2.70 favourites with UBET.

The shortest-priced horse of the Parnham brothers’ four Origin rides is Steven’s Flying Riddle at $17 in the second heat.

Steven, 31, is the oldest of the three Parnham brothers. He will be joined on Saturday by Brad, 28, while Chris, 19, will be riding at Ascot before joining the Origin series in the second and third weeks.

Steve Parnham is looking forward to riding in the Origin Jockeys Series. Picture: Graeme Collopy

The WA challenge will be anchored by Australia’s highest-profile jockey Damien Oliver, who teams with Chris Parnham on January 7 at the Gold Coast.

Steven knows the odds do not look great for the brothers on Saturday but he jumped at the opportunity because it was something different from everyday riding in WA.

“When I was invited I thought it would be a good opportunity, a great chance to ride against some of the top jockeys in the country and a different experience,” he said.

“I could have had a few nice rides here at home (Saturday) but I felt this was an opportunity you don’t get too often and I was keen to give it a go. It was a privilege to be asked to do it and I’m proud for all three brothers to be representing the state.

“I’m looking forward to riding at Eagle Farm for the first time.’’

While brother Chris has tried his hand with success in Victoria in recent times, Steven said the time to move east had probably passed him by and he was happy living in WA with his young family.

â–  MAGIC Millions favourite Madeenaty galloped the clockwise direction at Benalla on Thursday in preparation for her next start in the Wyong Magic Millions, on the way to the Gold Coast.

“She really cornered well, ran great sectionals and I’m excited heading towards the Magic Millions,” co-trainer David Hayes said.

Originally published as Parnham brothers handed tough task in Origin Jockeys Series