HAVING reached the significant milestone of 50 victories at Caymanas Park, top female jockey Samantha Fletcher expressed increased determination and motivation to achieve even more success in her career. Fletcher, who has been riding since 2018, secured the milestone with a win aboard Snowflakes, trained by Colin Ferguson, in the fourth race on Sunday.

As the female jockey with the highest number of wins in the history of Caymanas Park, the 31-year-old Fletcher expressed her delight at reaching this accomplishment.

“I am feeling pretty good about this milestone victory and so I must say thanks to all trainers, owners, because if it wasn’t for them this wouldn’t be possible – and I have to show them my respect and appreciation,” said Fletcher.

Reflecting on the victory, she added, “This victory really feels good because the last race that I won was in March earlier this year, even though I went to Canada and came back during that time. I am really excited about this milestone, knowing that as a female jockey I have won so many races in my career in a short space of time, despite facing injuries. I appreciate this a lot.”

While Fletcher acknowledged that she hasn’t won many races this year, she remains optimistic about her future as one of the top jockeys in Jamaica. “My confidence is still there, even though I am not getting rides, but I am working hard and I know that it will pay off. My plan is to continue working hard. Right now I am just working for one trainer, Mr [Anthony] Nunes, and I am hoping that he will give me a winner soon.”

In a male-dominated sport like horse racing Fletcher emphasised the importance of mental and physical strength for female jockeys.

“The key is that you have to have a very strong mind because you have something that is called peer pressure, and so if you are not focused you will lose yourself and your confidence. I guess I have a strong mind because I haven’t lost my confidence as yet so I am just going to keep on working hard to achieve my goals,” Fletcher concluded.