New trainer Kibbeisha Little couldn’t have dreamt of a better start to her training career at Caymanas Park.

The young but imposing lady had the rare distinction of saddling her first winner from her first start when Nasdaq Princess won the Roderick “Pilot” Francis Memorial Trophy feature on Saturday last, March 10, 2018.

Ridden by Aaron Chatrie, Nasdaq Princess settled in third position behind Red Dread (Phillip Parchment) and Your Emissary (Richard Lunan) for the first half of the race.

Nasdaq Princess then went four wide at the top of the lane but Chatrie got the six-year-old bay mare going, and they got up in the nick of time to beat Red Dread by a neck in the end. The final time for the six-furlong (1,200m) event was 1:18.0.

“The feeling is so wonderful to have won my first race as a trainer. I am happy and I am elated all at once, as this is like a dream come true for me. I am grateful for everything and I am thankful for the support and help I have received, especially from trainer and mentor, Patrick Lynch. Thanks also to trainer Enos Brown who gave me the first opportunity before Lynch took me under his magical wings.

“ Nasdaq Princess ran a good race and Aaron Chatrie rode a very good race as well and I am very pleased with that. Right now, I don’t know what to say but I am truly happy with my first win and I hope many more winners will come.

“I will continue to do the hard work as success only comes with hard work, and I am dedicated to working hard and will continue to do so,” Little told the Supreme Racing Guide.

Little, who belies her surname with a strong and assertive physical appearance, said that becoming a racehorse trainer has always been her dream and though it has been a long road for her, it is one she will treasure for the rest of her life.

“I came into the sport with the intention of becoming a trainer. I have had a passion for the sport since I was a child growing up in the community of Gregory Park which is close to the track, making it easy going to and from the track. I know that this is a male-dominated sport, but I am willing and dedicated to doing my best. If I want to be successful, I must be able to do the hard work,” she said.

A past student of Cumberland High School in Portmore, St Catherine, Little shared how it all began for her.

“I first started out under the guidance of trainer Enos Brown as his assistant. Well, things were slow at Brown’s barn, as he had a small string of horses and there was not enough to do.

“My opportunity came when trainer Patrick Lynch saw the potential in me and made me an offer, which I took. Lynch has taught me many things —in fact, everything there is to know about training racehorses. Whenever he was on any other engagement, he would lay out a plan that I must fulfil in his absence. He doesn’t have to worry because he knows very well that he can depend on me to get the job done. I’ve been at Lynch’s barn from 2011 until now,” Little shared.