THE in-form and capable apprentice rider Ramon Nepare says that confidence, patience, and hard work have been the driving forces behind his recent success in the saddle.

By no stretch of the imagination could anyone involved in racing list Nepare as one of our top riders. He, like so many others, struggles in the racing industry. But, the young rider seems to be coming into his own at the right time in his career.

Nepare, who was the second apprentice to ride a winner from the batch of 19 that graduated in 2019, has ridden 21 winners in his career, with six of those victories coming this year. In 2021, Nepare managed only four winners but gradually improved and rode nine winners last season to signal a rise in form.

Nepare is currently fifth in the jockeys’ standing with his six wins, three second, and six third-place finishes from 40 mounts. Tevin Foster leads with 12 wins, followed by Reyan Lewis (nine), Robert Halledeen (eight), and Roger Hewitt (six wins).

“Well, I feel proud of myself for riding so well and winning races of late. I mean, I am happy and I am grateful for everything as I am putting in some real hard work just like any other jockey in the business,” Nepare told this publication.

“I have been training really hard lately, but not too hard as I am a very light rider and I don’t want to take off weight or anything like that. I train for fitness, strength, and stuff like that,” Nepare added.

With his good riding form Nepare said his plan is to remain in the top 10 of all riders when the racing season ends.

“The goal is to finish the season in the top 10. It won’t be easy as one, two, three [however], as you have to ride well and win races for the entire year. It is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication but I am determined to go the extra mile. Success only comes with hard work.

“There are so many good riders here, and they are doing well so I want to make my presence felt by winning as many races as possible. The more races you win, the more you get recognised,” Nepare reasoned.

Nepare said that due to his light weight, he has no problem getting rides.

“No, it’s not really difficult for me to get the rides. Most of the trainers want a lighter jockey on their horses for races rather than a heavier rider and so I will get the rides. The lighter the horses, the faster they run — and everyone wants to win races,” explained Nepare whose body weight is 43.0 kg (95lb).