After winning the prestigious Superstakes, most jockeys would be excited and head over heels, but not apprentice Anthony Thomas. Instead, although the young rider was pleased for the achievement, he was calm as a lamb.

Picking up the chance ride aboard She’s A Maneater after the filly’s rider Dane Nelson fell ill and was down for the day, Thomas made good use of the opportunity and steered the Natural Selection – Ahwhofah offspring to victory in the 39th running of the Superstakes, sponsored by Burger King.

She’s A Maneater won by two lengths, with Bigdaddykool second and Will In Charge third, in a time of 2:06.0 for the 10 furlongs (2,000m) of the race.

“Very pleased with the offer from trainer DaCosta and also pleased with what I have done. But let me point out that I am not head over heels with the achievement. There are no illusions. My thoughts are as clear as crystal. One swallow does not make a summer. One thing is certain – I will use the opportunity to form part of my preparation and experience.

“When I decided to become a jockey some nine years ago, I expected opportunities like this to come along, so it was not unexpected. We as apprentices are here to fill the gaps that are left opened by the senior riders. But honestly, I did not expect this level of opportunity to come my way this quick. So when it did come, I treated it as if it were just another ride to be done with the utmost care and evaluation,” Thomas stated.

To become a jockey of substantial worth, Thomas said that one should always be prepared for the unexpected in life.

“Simple. I am training to become a competent rider and so I must be prepared. Preparation to be the best jockey that I can become is a key factor at this stage of my career. With that in mind I am always prepared for the unexpected. When one is unprepared, one leaves oneself exposed to errors and doubts.

“Trainers are our real teachers of the trade and they must be listened to. Failure to do so more often than not can become detrimental to one’s own riding career, and being around trainer (Welsh) Soutar has made me become aware and understand that without errors one will not learn about life,” Thomas said.

Thomas is among the first jockeys and exercise riders to get to the track in the mornings to exercise horses, and he is also among the last to leave.

“Growing up in the Belfield area of St Mary, one thing I learnt is that nothing ever comes easy. When I set out to accomplish something, I try to devote my attention to it without fail. While I may not express the pleasure I derive from riding and winning on a horse, it has never failed to boost my confidence and strengthen my humility to aspire to greater accomplishments – like one day becoming a championship winning jockey,” he declared.

Winning such a championship is no easy task, but the young Thomas is aware off all the components needed to be on top of his profession.

“I don’t think this will be easy, but I believe that with a certain level of sincere commitment and my continued hard work, I should receive just rewards for the level of work that I am accustomed to put out.

“The opportunity that came my way a few days ago, I hope that it will make me become even more aware of the level and quality of work,” he ended.