Samantha Fletcher, Jamaica’s current leading female rider, returns to competitive racing on Sunday’s 10-race card after serving a 20-race suspension. Fletcher is set to ride Three Card Guy, trained by Lydia Anglin, the lone female trainer from the class of 39, who graduated on May 12, 2023

Fletcher was first suspended for 25 race days by the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) on March 7 for failing to ride her mount on merit.

On March 7, 2023 Fletcher was punished for not riding her mount on merit. The incident happened on February 4 when Fletcher rode Gone A Negril in the seventh race of the day, finishing in seventh place.

Following a hearing on March 21, the JRC lowered the punishment to 20 days, which Fletcher has served.

Anglin, who will saddle her first career runner, was unequivocal in her choice of Fletcher to ride Three Card Guy.

“Samantha has ridden Three Card Guy many times. She knows the horse well and will get the best out of Three Card Guy. Plus, we are females, and I want to promote the women not only in horse racing but in Jamaica as well,” Anglin said .

Anglin also revealed that she has five horses in her care: one two-year-old, one three-year-old, two four year olds, and Three Card Guy.

“I picked up quite a bit on how to train horses, how to keep and care horses, from my time at the Trainers’ School, and from my apprentice master, Donovan Plummer, who has been of invaluable help to me in reaching where I am today. “It has been a long journey, but now I am here, a trainer of horses, and I thank everyone, who has assisted,” Anglin said.