Roger Hewitt says the rider who returned to Caymanas Park is not the same one who left.

On Saturday, October 31, 2026, Hewitt put that claim on display, producing a patient, perfectly timed ride aboard Secret Sensation to win the fifth race over 6 1/2 furlongs (1,300m).

Trained by Barrington Bernard, Secret Sensation came with a telling run in deep stretch to collar Hilly’s Dream close home and win by a half-length in 1:23.4.

It was Hewitt at his composed best — settling, waiting, and unleashing his mount when it mattered most.

“Yes, definitely a different Roger in the saddle,” Hewitt admitted after the win.

“I went overseas to learn pace. I learned that, you know, pace is a lot. I learned to use my hands a lot,” he told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

Since going to Canada to ride at the Assiniboia Downs racetrack in 2025, Hewitt won six races , finished second 12 times and third 12 times from 73 riders, earning CAN$93,180. Four of those wins have come this season.

The stint abroad may not have brought a bag full of winners, but Hewitt said the education was priceless.

“Over there, I don’t really get a lot of rides but the ones I got, it was a good experience. I get the rides out here but the experience overseas is priceless,” Hewitt said.

“The experience over there was nice, really nice. You go and learn about a different calibre of horses. I know pace, I know hands, you know… yeah, and the experience was good for my skills,” he added.

Hewitt, who has not yet decided whether he will return overseas or remain in Jamaica for next season, said he is simply grateful for the opportunity to put the lessons to use.

“I am not complaining, I’ve learned a lot in terms of experience and that is the most important thing,” he said.

— Ruddy Allen