Despite various ups and downs during the 2023 racing season, Samantha Fletcher is upbeat for the 2024 season.

Fletcher finished last season with seven winners and 51 winners overall. She is second behind Georgina Surgeon (59 winners) on the all-time female riders’ list.

Fletcher’s latest victory came on Saturday, December 30, 2023, when she booted home Ava’s Sunshine in the fifth race. Ava’s Sunshine, trained by Norman Smith, won ahead of Zayn’s Princess (Dane Dawkins) and Xylophonic Steel over the straight course.

“It is a good feeling to finish the year well. I must say thanks to the trainers and owners because if it wasn’t for them this wouldn’t be possible,” Fletcher told the Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide.

During the 2023 racing season, Fletcher was on Tuesday, March 7 suspended by the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) for 25 race days for not riding her mount on merit.

The incident happened on February 4 when Fletcher rode Gone A Negril in the seventh race of the day, finishing in seventh place.

Gone A Negril came back 18 days later, again with Fletcher in the saddle, to win a maiden condition race over the five-furlong straight course by 11 ¾ lengths.

Fletcher appealed the suspension, and following a hearing, which took place on Tuesday, March 21, the suspension was reduced to 20 days.

“It was a tough feeling during the year and when I got the suspension…really got rough.

“Then, I went to Canada and came back, it was difficult. As I said, there are a few trainers who still have hope in me, especially the small trainers and I must thank them,” Fletcher said.