Hall of Fame Nominee, Mark Sestich with ‘The Boy Hill’
2 February, 2017
Thoroughbred
Proving that there must be something in the Kalgoorlie water, Mark Sestich is another champion of the turf to come out of the Western Australia’s goldfields.
Sestich knew he was bound for a thoroughbred racing career at a young age. Little did he know, he would end up being one of the most successful jockeys that Western Australia had produced and a Hall of Fame nominee.
Christmas of 1974 came early for Sestich when he signed up in early December at the age of 14.
Sestich’s late twenties saw him tackle the tracks of Singapore, Malaysia and Mauritius. It didn’t take long before he was perched on top of the international riding ranks.
Such international success guided Sestich to represent Australia in the Asian Racing Conference that took place in Istanbul, Turkey.
A well-seasoned traveller, Sestich still calls Ascot home after deeming it as his all-time favourite track to ride on.
Sestich has many feats on his resume, including taking out Western Australia’s first $1 million race.
As brilliant as Sestich was in the saddle, he lacked luck when it came to staying uninjured.
A track work fall caused by his mount suffering a heart attack sent them plummeting through the running rail ending his marvelling career.
Nearly a decade later, Sestich is enjoying his long running position as foreman for trainer, Neville Parnham, allowing him to continue basking in the success that thoroughbred racing has bought him.
Listen to Mark Sestich’s full interview with Ryan ‘The Boy Hill’ on TABRadio’s, The Sports Daily from Wednesday morning.