There is a special feeling swirling around Caymanas Park as 15 of the new apprentices, including three young ladies: Natalie Berger, Andree Powell and Melissa Ward currently in training at the Jockeys’ School, showcase their talent for the first time tomorrow.

The race, a six-furlong four-year-old and up maiden event, is designed to give the young riders the opportunity to ride in a competitive event on a raceday as part of their training. No claiming allowance will be applicable in the event.

The three female exercise riders, Berger, Powell and Ward, were among 17 who were chosen by the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) to attend the jockeys’ training programme, which officially started in February of this year.

They now have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the country’s only female rider at present, Georgina Sergeon, who has so far ridden 57 winners at Caymanas Park.

On January 14, these exercise riders were given the chance to demonstrate their skills in what was dubbed the ‘gate test’ which was organised by the JRC who manages the jockeys’ programme for their operations stewards to make a final assessment of the young riders.

The exercise riders were then required to undergo medical assessments, a riding test, which was held at the Caymanas Polo Club, following which the 17 were selected for enrolment.

Berger, who graduated from Gaynstead High School, said that becoming a jockey is her longtime dream and one which she has been working very hard to attain.

“I am very grateful and happy that I have been selected for the school and I am also happy all three females made it. This shows that even though horse racing is a male-dominated sport, once any female puts her mind towards her dream it can happen.

“I am happy for this opportunity as from I was young girl growing up I wanted to become a jockey. My journey has just begun and I am going to continue to do the hard work,” Berger told the Complete Racing Guide.

“I also want to thank everyone that has supported me through this journey and I will continue to make them proud,” she said.

Powell and Ward were also happy that they were selected to attend the school and both said it was now up to them to put in the hard work to become good jockeys who can get rides and winners.