3 minute read
Its always a good idea to carry a 'Beany' when visiting the tablelands at this time of year and of late especially one with the name 'Panya 'attached to it.
Based at Warwick Farm (& Joe Pride indentured) apprentice Beany Panya has been clocking up the kilometers this winter and the results are showing.
Panya has belt notched nine winners in the past five weeks at a healthy strike rate of around 20% her race day rambles taking in tracks such as Goulburn, Canberra, Forbes, Wagga and Bathurst.
Panya says the results are reflective of a re-found love of what she's doing for a living.
"Yes for sure! I know I stayed away for five years but I'm so glad it's turned back into something I love doing rather than to force myself to stay in it and become something I resent," Panya reflected.
The Panya gene pool also has a generous dose of artistic flair, with the hoop suggesting that her other dream job (outside of race riding) would be ...."working with the creative side. Whether that's through computers, traditional art or moving pictures."
Panya's recent wins have been for a variety of stables including Ron Leemon, Joseph & Jones, Geoffrey Crothers, Alison Smith and Tash Burleigh to name a few. The apprentice really enjoying the opportunity to connect with someone like Burleigh of late.
"It's been a fantastic feeling working with someone like Tash and knowing a week or two in advance where I'll be heading next so it makes a good solid base to work off,'' she said.
Panya says she's happy to ride wherever the opportunities turn up, whether it's pre-race preparation or race day competition.
"In terms of track work hours, other than riding mostly for Joseph Pride there's no particular stable I'm working with more than others."
"I ride the odd one for building and maintaining connections and the 'old faithfuls', Steve Englebrecht and Graham Brown as they're like family."
Panya says her recent run of results could be part mechanics part advice related.
"It's helped that I've been able to keep a mechanical horse at home and live near my sister, Deanne and her partner Steve, who are always giving me 'welcomed' constructive criticism,'' she said.
"Former jockey Justin Sheehan has been going through my race replays with me for feedback and improvements to make and there's always plenty to take on board."
Away from racing Panya likes to stretch her left side brain as a way to stay fresh.
"Painting...more horses and as silly as it might sound to some, immersive open world (video) games that take you somewhere else. You can't overlook the power of the mind!"
A busy weekend for Panya (via Rosehill, Kembla Grange, Wagga) rolls straight into Goulburn with two rides on Monday.
Whetu for Richard Collett ($3.80 TAB) in Race 2, The Goulburn Produce B58 Hcp over 2100m and Allgemeine ($4.60 TAB) for Matthew Dale in Race 7, The Kirk's Bridge Farm Country Boosted Hcp over 1300m. Both gallopers have the recent form to run well and don't mind the sting out of the ground which could be the case come Monday.
Race one of seven at Goulburn on Monday kicks off at 1.15pm and given the cool forecast punters could do worse than "take a Beany" in their selections!
