Apprentice Emilo McClean was all smiles on Sunday after producing a brilliant performance at Caymanas Park, landing the first double of his young career.

His winners were Kissmet in the first event and Secret Mission in the third race. The 25-year-old, who only began riding competitively last December, has now chalked up seven wins and is growing in confidence with each outing.

“I am feeling great in myself because this is just hard work and determination,” McClean said after his milestone achievement. “This is the first time that I am winning two races in one day at Caymanas Park, so I am very delighted and happy about that. It is a joy, and I am proud of myself.”

McClean, who has been quietly making a name for himself among the apprentice ranks, noted that his success is no accident.

“I put in the work seven days a week and so the hard work is paying off,” he explained. “Things are not what I expected when I started out, but I am getting there because it is not easy to win races here. You have to ensure that you do your best at all times whenever you go out there.”

Despite his recent success, McClean remains grounded and hungry to improve.

“I have been making steady improvements, but I have a lot more to learn. So with more rides, I see improvements,” he said. “The support has been good over here because whenever I make a mistake, there is somebody to point it out, and I will go back and work on it and try to be better.”

McClean underscored that he is taking things step by step, with no set target in mind.“The more wins come, I will appreciate it. I don’t have a target, I will just work with what I get.”

— Robert Bailey