Webb dreaming big ahead of race day debut

By Jordan Gerrans 

Debutant apprentice hoop Olivia Webb is dreaming big ahead of her first ever day at the races.

The 20-year-old has been ready to make her debut for weeks but following washouts and bad barriers for horses she was set to ride; it has been put on hold.

She finally gets there on Saturday at Gatton, engaged with two chances for her boss, Eagle Farm trainer Barry Lockwood.

Webb has ridden horses her entire life, but only recently switched over to thoroughbred racing, previously being involved with rodeos and barrel racing, like much of her family.

Ahead of her debut duo of rides, Webb described her emotions as “excited and nervous” after starting to work as a stablehand with Chris Munce before moving towards her apprenticeship.

“I really wanted to progress, so I started riding track work with Paul Butterworth and have moved on to become an apprentice, now with Barry,” Webb said.

“It has been nothing short of amazing, it has been an incredible journey and career so far.”

Experienced Brisbane trainer Lockwood noted that Webb was more than ready for her debut having ridden her required number of trials and thensome.

“She has got a good grounding with her barrel racing and rodeo riding,” Lockwood said.

“Her style has certainly adapted in the few months she has been with us.

“She is very well mannered and presents herself well, she will be fine in her riding, but it is just a matter of her getting over that first day at the races with plenty of nerves of course.

“They will be gone as soon she has a few days at the races, she is riding terrific at the moment at the trials.”

Webb and her family are Brisbane-based now, but certainly have seen plenty of Australia in her lifetime.

Through her father’s work, Webb has lived in Mount Isa, Katherine in the Northern Territory and Pakenham in Victoria, before now being back in Brisbane.

“I would love in the future to be able to ride in Group races and outride my claim before I finish up my apprenticeship,” she said.

“I would love to be able to go to Sydney or Melbourne to ride, even move down there if that opportunity ever arises once I have finished my time here with Barry.

“I have some big dreams in racing.”

Webb was originally with Paul Butterworth and is currently on loan to Lockwood ahead of a full-time transfer.

Lockwood says his apprentice has the natural ability to quickly progress through the ranks and is likely to get plenty of opportunities with his stable.

He thinks Webb may be able to start her career with a winner on Gatton on Saturday.

“Boreas gets in well with the claim and Twerk raced well at the Sunshine Coast during the week,” Lockwood said.

“If things go their way, they are both quite capable.”