Claiming apprentice jockey Linton Steadman couldn’t have dreamt for a better start to his riding career at Caymanas Park.

In his first month of riding, Steadman already has been on board eight winners from 33 mounts to lead the charge of the 17 apprentices who started their careers on September 26.

“Wow…what can I say? This is like a dream come true for me. This is a dream start to my career. I couldn’t have asked for more. To do my best, I always give my best and so I expect the best. This is just wonderful for me,” Steadman gushed.

Steadman, 25, said that becoming a jockey has always been his dream and though it has been a long road for him, it is one that he will treasure for the rest of his life.

“Being a jockey has always been my dream. I love horses and horse racing. I always wanted to get up on a horse and ride in competitive races,” Steadman told the Complete Racing Guide.

“My first step towards my dream was when I was in Grade 11 at the Waterford High School. My dad, Everton Steadman (now deceased), was a groom and I would ride his horses. After that I began to work out horses at Caymanas Park while I was attending school and I got my exercise rider’s licence. It felt great knowing I was one step closer to my dream,” the 25-year-old said.

“It seemed like I was ready, and I decided it was time to get my apprentice licence. I didn’t get through at first but that did not stop me as this was my dream. It took me eight years to enrol in the jockeys’ school and I am grateful for the opportunity. Over the years of trying, I gained experience that I believe is helping me a lot now that I’m riding here at Caymanas Park,” said Steadman, who quickly added that he had learned a lot from riding at Harry Jaghai’s farm.

Steadman knows very well that success comes only with hard work.

“Being a jockey is not easy. You are riding horses that weigh like 10 to 15 times more than you. You also have to maintain a specific weight and as an apprentice rider, it is even harder, because I have to weigh less than the regular jockeys,” he explained.

Steadman notched his first winner from his first ride on September 26 when he guided the Wayne DaCosta-trained Vision in a come-from-behind performance to beat stable companion Dreamliner by a length and a quarter in the running of the $850,000 Keeling Memorial Cup, a native-bred two-year-old event over 1,100 metres.

“I got my first career win on the first day that I started riding at Caymanas Park, on September 26, and it was also from my very first ride as an official apprentice rider. I have to say it was the best feeling ever. When you really want something, you have to work hard to accomplish it. But there were a lot of people that believed in me and give thanks to God, my dedication and to all the ones that supported me, I have accomplished my goal,” an emotional Steadman said.

“Of course this is just the beginning of my career; there are still many more goals to accomplish, like riding a Classic winner, ride 100 races in one year and of course, being called a champion. Horse racing is my passion and as long as God lets me, I will accomplish all my goals,” he noted.

“The only regret I have in my life so far, is the death of my father. I did want him to be here and to see what I have turned out to be. I love you dad, and I know that you are watching over me,” he ended.

PHOTO: STEADMAN LINTON SEPT 26 – 2015

CAPTION – STEADMAN… Of course this is just the beginning of my career; there are still many more goals to accomplish, like riding a Classic winner, ride 100 races in one year and of course, being called a champion.

Sweeney partnered Lachlan Lily to victory in the $10,000 Spring Cup (1200 metres) for her father and Jerilderie trainer Phil in her first ride.

“It was awesome to get a winner from my first ride,” Sally Sweeney said.

“I reckon I have been dreaming of it happening since I was about 14.

“I couldn’t believe it when we crossed the line first and I got fairly emotional because dad trained the horse and I can’t thank the owners enough for putting me on for my first ride.

“To win a cup in my first ride also made it extra special.”