DANE Dawkins and Samantha Fletcher, two of Jamaica’s finest jockeys, returned home with valuable experience and newfound confidence after their stints in Canada.

Dawkins, a former champion jockey, had ridden at Winnipeg’s Assiniboia Downs while Fletcher, the current leading female rider at Caymanas Park, had competed at Edmonton’s Century Mile. The seasons at both tracks in Canada have now ended.

As they settled back into their routine their focus shifted to the upcoming weekend’s races at Caymanas Park. Dawkins secured four rides on Saturday, September 28, and six on Sunday, September 29. Fletcher, meanwhile, had one ride on Saturday and two on Sunday.

On Saturday, Dawkins will ride Power Ranking in the fourth race for trainer Lawrence Freemantle; Hunza in the seventh for Wilfred Chin; Design Diva in the eighth for Anthony Dixon; and Bold Move in the ninth for Gary Subratie. Fletcher’s lone ride is
Lady Abhimala in the sixth race for trainer Rowan Mathie.

Sunday’s line-up looked equally promising. Dawkins would be aboard Blood Moon in the first race, KD Strong in the fifth, Affair in the sixth, and All for Love in the ninth for Gary Subratie; Nakamura in the second for Errol Burke; and Xlophonic Steel in the eighth for Khary Tucker.

Dane Dawkins’ Canadian adventure at Assiniboia Downs proved fruitful with 25 victories, 24 second-place finishes, and 28 third-place finishes from 169 mounts, amassing an impressive CAD$288,149 in earnings. This marked Dawkins’ second international stint, building on his 2019 experience.

Meanwhile, Samantha Fletcher made history during her overseas debut. On June 15, 2024 she became the first Jamaican female jockey to win in Canada. Fletcher expertly guided Behind the Curtain to a thrilling half-length victory in the sixth race, edging out fellow Jamaican Dane Nelson aboard Bratton. She doubled her success that day, winning aboard Classy Rose.

Fletcher’s international record now stands at two wins and four thirds from 28 mounts, with CAD$20,605 in earnings.