In-form Brad Parnham achieves millennium milestone in Bunbury after 1000th win

Jockey Brad Parnham celebrated a career milestone at Bunbury on Thursday, achieving his 1000th winner in the saddle aboard the Keith Reeves-trained Jiddo. Jiddo, a $7.50 TABtouch elect, was sent to park outside the leader in the maiden contest before taking over under hard riding around the turn. Parnham galvanised the gelding to stay on strongest and secure the 2006m stamina-sapping contest before later scoring his 1001st winner with Master Tactician for his father Neville. The popular hoop has overcome adversity to realise the landmark and has been experiencing career-best form in recent months. “It was a good day - I knew I was getting close but I didn’t think I’d get there before the end of the season,” Parnham said. “I’ve probably wanted to make sure I’d tick over the 1000 winner mark, so I’ve been knucking down. “In January 2018, I injured my neck in a fall which required surgery and I was out for 18 months. “There was a period after about nine months where I didn’t think it was going to get better and I didn’t think I’d ride again. “Now, I don’t notice it and although I might have lost a little movement, it doesn’t affect my riding.” The double elevated Parnham’s season tally to 95 successes, though time is running out for the rider to experience back-to-back centuries in the saddle with the new racing year to begin next Thursday. “I doubt I’ll get to 100 this year - I went on holiday at the start of the month and I didn’t think I’d even get close until the last couple of weeks,” Parnham said. “I rode 100 winners last year which is something I’d always wanted to do.” Parnham goes into the hot seat to ride Vast Art in the Listed $125,000 H G Bolton Sprint (1200m) at Saturday’s Belmont card, with the gelding the $6 second favourite behind Red Fifty Three ($4.40). “I’ve ridden him in his trials and they’ve been pretty good,” Parnham said. “His first one, he trialled alright but I was not at the bottom of him and he was a bit more docile. “In the second, he really jumped and put himself up there. “He was given a pretty good test by Acromantula, who always trials well, so it was a nice effort. “He’s drawn sticky but hopefully I can find a back close-up with cover. “Red Fifty Three is a good chance, Puli won last start and will give them a lot to chase for a while and Saloon Bar ran in The Quokka and is capable.” + Pat Rudland, mother of former champion jockey Damien Oliver, passed away on Friday. She was a well-known and respected member of the racing community who will be fondly remembered by the industry.