Jamaican Jockey Samantha Fletcher soars to new heights
Jamaican jockey Samantha Fletcher credits her recent international riding experience for upgrading her skills.
“It feels good,” Fletcher shared with the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide. “Riding overseas was invaluable. I’ve learned significantly in terms of timing and position.”
Fletcher had a first overseas riding assignment at the Century Mile racetrack in Edmonton, Canada.
“I didn’t learn everything, but I got most of it,” she reflected. My time overseas has changed me a lot. While I haven’t reached my desired professional level, I’m undoubtedly a better rider now.”
Fletcher had made history on Saturday, June 15, 2024 when she became the first female Jamaican jockey to win a race in Canada.
Fletcher guided home Behind the Curtain to a thrilling half-length victory in the sixth race at the Century Mile Racetrack, edging out fellow Jamaican and reigning champion Dane Nelson aboard Bratton in a fiercely contested claiming race at six furlongs.
Fletcher hustled Behind the Curtain on the inside rails to take up a slim lead entering the far turn. Behind The Curtain responded gamely to challengers and held on in the end for the win. The Cheryl Humbke-conditioned Behind the Curtain won in a time of 1:10.3.
Fletcher wasn’t done yet. She doubled down on her success, riding Classy Rose to victory in the eighth and final event, also going six furlongs.
Classy Rose, also trained by Humbke, prompted the pace from the three path before gaining control of the race at the three-sixteenth marker. Classy Rose responded well to Fletcher’s urgings and outran rivals in deep stretch to win by three-parts of a length at the wire.
Sizzlin Rose (Anastaios Chalaris) finished second in a final time of 1:12.4.
“It feels good winning races, but to win races on the international stage is amazing. I am grateful for the opportunity, the experience was wonderful,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher then made a triumphant return to Caymanas Park on Saturday, September 28, 2024 aboard the Rowan Mathie-conditioned Lady Abhimala in the sixth race.
Fletcher continued her winning streak on Saturday, October 26, 2024, securing her second victory since her return in the sixth race.
Aboard Veliki Vicki, owned and trained by Ricardo Brown, Fletcher edged out a thrilling neck victory over Manoushe (Robert Halledeen) in the Restricted Allowance V contest. The six-furlong (1,200m) event featured native-bred four-year-olds and upward (non-winners of two) and imported four-year-olds and upward (maidens).
