Former champion jockey Shane ‘Canter Man’ Ellis says once he remains fit he will ride winners during the present racing season.

In the process, the man whose performances have earned him the title of ‘big race jockey’, announced his goal to ride over 100 winners for the year, including the winners of the Classic and other major races on the calendar.

Last year, Ellis was able to win three of the five Classics races (Raeven Renae in the Oaks, Relampago in the Derby and St Leger) and capped off the season with a superb ride on Horse of the Year Typewriter in the Superstakes.

“My goal is to win as many races as possible. I am giving myself a target of 150 races including the major races. I want to win everything this year as I have the potential and ability to do so, and so I am targeting 150 races to bring out the best in me as I want to see my true potential as well,” Ellis told the Complete Racing Guide.”To achieve my goal I know that it will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but I have made a commitment,and that is what I am working towards.

“Once you are confident, you can win races… once you are committed, you can win races. I believe in myself and I think that is the most important thing. Once you believe in yourself and put your mind to it, then all things are possible,” said the man from Purple Island.

According to Ellis, while he is not attached to any one stable at the present time he has no difficulties getting the rides. Winning the races, however, is the important thing.

“I am not confirmed to any stable at the moment… I am a freelance jockey, but the rides are not hard to get, as when you are one of the top jockeys at the Park you will get plenty of rides. The trainers want to win races so you will not have a difficulty getting good rides. It is just about winning the races when you get the rides.

“Every horse that I get on I want to win. You have to have that determined to win races, and it will come,” he explained.

At present, the 41-year-old Ellis occupies fourth position in the jockeys’ standing on 12 winners behind joint leaders Robert Halledeen and Omar Walker, both on 17 winners, and Dane Nelson, who is on 14.

“Well, I am always in form. I have been riding well for some time now and I just want to stay on top of my game and injury-free,” he said.

As to his chances of becoming the 2015 champion jockey, Ellis is under no illusions about the enormity of such a task.

“If I can get those 150 winners for the year, then without a doubt I would easily win the championship,” he affirmed.

Ellis, who graduated from the Dinthill Technical High School, said that horse racing has always been his passion.

“Becoming a jockey was my first choice of profession and it turned out to the right choice for me as I have accomplished a lot since I am here. I just want to thank everyone for their input and support,” he ended.