While there may only be five weeks left in the current 2023/24 racing year, jockey Jasmine Fawcett wants to take every opportunity she can as she closes in on her goal of riding seventy winners for the season.
Fawcett currently sits ninth on the National Jockey’s Premiership with 63 wins, seven more than she achieved last season which was her best since kicking off her career back in 2016.
Her current tally was boosted by just the one win on Saturday but it was an important one as she guided local heroine Casino Princess home in the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m) for 92-year-old trainer and part owner Cliff Goss.
“I was very grateful to Mr Goss for giving me the ride as I had been left without one when the horse I was scheduled to partner didn’t make it to the race,” Fawcett said.
“With Michael McNab being injured, my agent contacted Mr Goss and I got the ride.
“I actually rode her when she had her first trial, so it was nice to get back on board as she was always going to be a huge chance in the race.
“Before the race Mr Goss was very calm and collected and didn’t really give me too many instructions. She travelled beautifully all the way and just relished the conditions as she won very comfortably.
“I didn’t get to celebrate at all as I had rides booked for Te Aroha today (Sunday) so I was home in bed by 8:30pm.
“With the Te Aroha meeting being called off I’m not really complaining but if I want to get to seventy wins for the season I need to get as many opportunities as possible.”
Fawcett had three rides at the Te Aroha meeting which was abandoned due to surface flooding after heavy rain struck the area overnight, but is hopeful she will get the opportunity to ride there now the day has been shifted to next Thursday.
“When I heard the rain this morning it was just thundering down so I pretty much expected the meeting to be in doubt,” she said.
“I had three good rides and there is talk about the day being transferred to Thursday next week, which is good however, it will clash with Riccarton so I will have to make a decision as to where I go.
“I am leaning towards staying up here, but we will just have to see how it pans out.”
Fawcett has made many close relationships in the South Island and has been a regular visitor there to ride in the past few years, racking up the frequent flyer miles as she continues to hone her craft.
“I’ve ridden a fair bit down south and again I am very grateful for the opportunities I get,” she said.
“I knew if I wanted to achieve my goals this year, I had to stay fit and keep out of trouble, so I didn’t have to miss meetings through suspensions and so far, so good.
“My base fitness is very good although I would like to be a little stronger. I am thinking about going to a personal trainer but that will be a decision for the new year as this is a job where you have to take every chance to improve yourself and that’s what I am going to do.
“Also, with many of the jockeys taking holidays around now it also creates chances to pick up rides so staying fit is a real priority.
“I’m sure my partner would like me to take a holiday or a break but I’m pretty driven and love what I do so that might have to wait a wee while yet.”
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