Fletcher returns to the saddle after three-month lay-up
Published:Thursday | May 5, 2022 | 12:11 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
After injury took her out of the saddle for more than three months, top female jockey Samantha Fletcher is scheduled to resume riding at Caymanas Park at the end of this month.
Fletcher has been injured since March 2, suffering two fractures to the upper part of her body following a spill on that race day.
She fractured her left collarbone and a section of her right shoulder.
The injuries occurred after she fell from her mount, MAGICAL MOOD, during a race on March 2. The fall caused one fracture and while she sat on the ground, she was kicked on the shoulder by another horse in the race.
Fletcher, who has won six races this year, said she has been given the all-clear by her doctor to resume her riding career at Caymanas Park.
“I am feeling really good at the moment because I am not having any issues with the shoulder,” said Fletcher.
“The doctor told me that I should start doing some light work 10 days and after that, I can go back to starting riding again,” she said.
“I can start riding on the 14th of this month, but I don’t want to go out there unfit and so I will more say that it will be on the 21st of this month,” Fletcher said.
This is second time, recently, that Fletcher has been sidelined with a lengthy injury. In the first instance, a broken thumb kept her out of the saddle for more than four months during a three-horse spill.
Fletcher, who has ridden more than 30 winners in her career, noted that her latest injury setback has only served to make her more determined.
“I am just happy that I am back working horses and the reception from everyone has been good,” she said.
“I am not feeling any pain and so that is wonderful because I am a very confident jockey and always strive to do my best,” Fletcher said.
“I just want to win races and once I am getting the good rides from the trainers, then I think that I will be in the winner’s enclosure,” she said.
Last year, Fletcher became the first female jockey in the history of Caymanas Park to boot home three winners in one race day. She is one of four female riders at Caymanas Park.