Yvonne Mattis, widow of esteemed Jamaican jockey and trainer Kenneth Mattis, will celebrate her 96th birthday tomorrow at Caymanas Park, surrounded by the thrill of horse racing.

For over seven decades, Mattis has been a supporter of horse racing.

“Thank God, I’m alive, celebrating another birthday,” Mattis reflected in an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“Horse racing is my passion; it’s where I feel most alive. I will be at the races on Saturday celebrating my 96th birthday. I wouldn’t miss celebrating at the Park for anything. This is my fun time plus I love to do a little bit of betting as well. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but I always hope of winning,” she said jubiliantly.

Mattis’ involvement in horse racing began in 1972, supporting Kenneth’s training endeavours. Mattis, along with her brothers and Edgar Heffes, owned Aggregate and Birbella, two of the three horses Kenneth had in his stables at the time. Both horses achieved impressive success under his guidance. Kenneth’s third horse, Rumster, was owned by Emma Chen.

Mattis’ family ties, coupled with Kenneth’s expertise, cemented her love for racing.

“I’m grateful for life, family and racing. Racing is my escape, plus my career as an owner was successful as one of the horses was a top-class runner,” Mattis said.