Girl power - New female jockeys eager to prove themselves at Caymanas Park

As they set off to embark on their career in the horse-racing industry, female apprentice jockeys Abigail Able, Samantha Fletcher and Tamicka Lawrence are all looking forward to the challenges of competing in the male-dominated sport.

Able and Fletcher have both secured two rides each on today's 11-race card at Caymanas Park, while Lawrence will have to wait for her first mount.

The 22-year-old Able, who is a former student of the Waterford High School, said that she is confident, even while admitting that she is also a bit anxious about competing on the track for the first time.

"I am a bit excited and nervous because I will be riding against one of the biggest jockeys in Shane Ellis, and also Omar Walker, so I am bit nervous about this," said Able.

Full confidence

"However, I am going out there with full confidence to do my best," she said. "My preparations have gone well because everything is going according to plan.

"I am going to ride just as how the men are riding, and I am going out there to do my best," she pointed out.

On the other hand, 26-year-old Fletcher said she has nothing to fear from her male counterparts and is only focused on going out there and doing her best.

"I am very excited, and I am looking forward to great things," said Fletcher, who is a former student at Innswood High School.

"I have always dreamt about this, and I am hoping to do my best out there," she said. "Not because most of the jockeys are male - that doesn't mean I can't outride them."

In the meantime, despite failing to secure a mount on today's programme, Lawrence said she is feeling excited and is looking forward to competing against the male jockeys.

"This is what I like about this because I get to compete and I love to compete," said the 27-year-old Lawrence. "I am going out there to do my utmost best. I am prepared and ready for whatever they throw at me because I am very confident."