Each time leading female jockey Samantha Fletcher mounts up on a horse, there is part of her that knows she is lucky to be riding at all.

In fact, it is her brush with injuries, last year, that makes her even more appreciative about how much she has grown in her budding career, which started in 2018.

Shortly after she became the first female rider to win three races in one day at Caymanas Park at the backend of 2021, Fletcher was involved in a spill and broke her right thumb which sidelined her for almost three months. That unfortunate incident came at a time when the bustling rider was enjoying some semblance of form, as she had 14 career wins to her account at that point.

It was almost like déjà vu for Fletcher, as three months after her return to the saddle in December 2021, she was again faced with a long spell off when she fractured her left collarbone and sections of her right shoulder in March last year. Again, Fletcher was just about picking up steam at that point with six wins to her credit.

Reflecting on her comeback from that injury which occurred when she fell from her mount Magical Mood and was then hit in the head by another horse, Fletcher admits that the time spent out of the saddle was both mentally and physically challenging.

“It was a bad injury, but I would say I’m very lucky because based on how everything happened, I always told myself that it could have been worse.

“That injury has been the hardest to get back from. It was both physically and mentally tiring, but I was always determined to get back in the saddle,” Fletcher told this publication. She added: “Because this is my career and we know the dangers that we face when we mount up and so you always try your best to be careful in races, but anything can happen in a split second. So each time you finish a race without problems, you have to give thanks.”

Given all that she had to endure in what was a roller-coaster 2022, Fletcher, who has ridden more than 30 winners in her career, pointed out that she has already put the lessons from the setback to good use and is even more determined to make amends this year.

“You never want to get injured but the ups and downs have taught me that I can overcome anything and do anything I put my mind to. After the injury, I gradually got back in the groove and things picked up somewhat because I found a little form and won about eight races,” Fletcher shared.

“For me nothing beats hard work, I always work hard and I am always determined to put my best foot forward. So my goal for this year is just keep improving on my riding skills and keep doing my best to make myself a better jockey and a better woman,” she noted.

Already Fletcher has started the year on a high, as she guided the Lance Richards-trained Slamsilano to victory in a Restricted Allowance event over seven furlongs (1,400m) on January 7.

That seven-length win by Slamsilano was his first in a while and only his second career win in 38 starts, after going winless in 23 starts last year. The five-year-old chestnut gelding clocked 1:31.1, after splits of 24.3, 48.2, and 1:15.3.

“I’m very grateful and appreciative to the trainers who continue to look out for me. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would get to where I am now and so I’m grateful for their support,” she said with some delight in her tone.

“It feels good knowing that I already have one winner for the year and I know I will do well with those trainers that are giving me rides. I will continue to do just what my supporters expect of me, which is to give of my best to win races. It’s easier said than done, but I’m really hopeful,” Fletcher ended.