For many decades, the training of horses for thoroughbred racing at Caymanas Park has been a male-dominated activity, but that is progressively changing.

Women have become increasingly influential in the sport over the years, with some going on to have successful careers.

Eileen Cliggott, who saddled 976 winners, will be remembered fondly by racing fans. In addition to training horses, Cliggott ran a stud farm and was in charge of the training and grooming of a number of jockeys, notably Donovan “Bug” Lindo and Karl Brown.

Cliggott’s place in racing history is further cemented by her victories in some of the sport’s most famous races, including one Derby winner (Rumpelstiltskin in 1965), three St Leger winners (Rumpelstiltskin in 1965, Charlotte Russe in 1970, and Predude in 1962).

Then there were Emma Chen and Beverley Rhoden. Chen earned approximately $2,148,671 from 114 winners while Rhoden handled 12 winners for $57,415 in earnings. There were also Gloria Castillo (19 winners) and Pauline Dwyer (12 winners).

Margaret Parchment (49 winners) and Kibbeisha Little (four winners) are currently in the industry, while Keisha Lawrence has trained four winners.

Lydia Anglin is now following in the footsteps of her foremothers with the goal of earning a name for herself.

Anglin was among the 39 conditioners who graduated from the 2023 Jamaica Racing Commission’s (JRC) Trainers’ Training Programme on May 12. She saddled her first winner on Sunday, September 24, when her charge Three Card Guy won the day’s seventh race.

The event was a five-year-old and upwards Optional Claiming ($180,000-$150,000) spread that also included six-year-olds and upwards (non-winners of two) and native-bred five-year-olds (maidens) over 5 furlongs (1,000m) round.

Ridden by Shamaree Muir, Three Card Guy won by two lengths ahead of Crafty Zella Zeen (Chalrick Budhai) in a time of 1:04.3 (24.2 x 49.2).

“I am feeling elated. The hard work has paid off. Hard work equals success,” an emotional Anglin told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“To be honest, I never imagined myself in this situation. I was becoming frustrated with the whole thing and wanted to quit the game at one point, but I had some very good people around me. My teachers, Dr Sophia Ramlal, Dr St Aubuyn Bartlett, and Dr Aston Marsh, all encourage me to keep striving.

“It isn’t all that gleaming, but that day will come because there is a light at the end of the tunnel.” And for that, I just want to thank them and the other trainers who have encouraged me and given me advice on how to move forward.

“I also have to give special mention to trainer Donovan Plummer. I couldn’t have gotten this far without his help. His role is firmly defined. Respect to the max, Donovan Plummer,” Anglin remarked, pausing to take a breath.

Anglin stated that she wished to replicate Cliggott’s feat.

“I don’t know what’s next for Lydia but Lydia wants to be the next Miss Eileen Cliggott if I have the material. I am just hoping for the best to perform in the near future,” she said.

Angin shared her journey in the racing industry.

“My brother was the one who got me interested in racing. One Saturday, I was sitting in the stand when he approached and said, “Sis, I want you to buy a horse,” to which I answered, “Brother, where am I going to tie the horse?” He simply told me to buy the horse, which I did. Michael Beecham sold us the horse, Rude Boy.

“My uncle [Joseph Thomas] said he doesn’t want that horse, but my brother said we should just tie him up and leave. So we tied up the horse on the range and ran away when we saw Uncle Joe approaching since we knew he’d find somewhere for the horse to remain. That’s my story.

“It’s in my blood to race. This is a very good feeling, and I must thank God for allowing this day to finally arrive, and I am happy and elated,” Anglin concluded.