Samantha Collett on track for record season
SAMANTHA Collett isn’t the first name that rolls off the tongue when mentioning the best jockeys in New Zealand, but she’s at the top of the premiership and looks set to stay there.
The 28-year-old is nearing the 50-win mark after only four months of the season and she’s well on track to beat her previous record of 80 winners which she achieved in the 2017/2017 season.
100 wins is looking highly achievable this season and it’s something Collett is striving to achieve.
“I’d love to ride 100 winners this season and win my first Group 1 winner,” Collett told Horsebetting.com.au. “The premiership is a long way away yet, but if that happens it happens.
“Last season was 80 wins and that was as close as I got. I’ve been consistent at about 30 for a few seasons, so my riding has gradually improved.”
Improvement is something that’s evident with Collett’s riding statistics. The Tirau-based rider has produced the following results over the last 10 seasons.
Collett puts the improved form down to luck, which has a carry-on effect to securing more and better rides throughout the season.
“I guess I’m just having a bit more luck,” she said. “I’m just trying to keep the ball rolling, keep up the contacts and ride as well as I can.
“I’m getting offered rides that I probably wouldn’t usually get because of that luck. It’s a bit of a roll on effect really.”
Coming from a strong riding family would certainly help Collett, who’s mother Trudy not only offers some sound advice, but also some stiff competition on the track.
“Mum tried to steer me away from riding to start with,” Collett quipped. “She is very supportive but all’s fair in love and war out there, but she’s the first person to congratulate me when I win.
“Dad (Jim Collett) was a successful jockey and he now trains, he also helps me a lot. We go through my rides every day and he helps.”
Collett is not only leading the way in the New Zealand Jockeys’ Premiership, but she’s also leading the way for female riders in New Zealand.
New Zealand has seen its fair share of successful female riders and Collett can include herself with the likes of Lisa Alpress and Rosie Myers.
“Being female you need to work harder or do a little bit more. I’m always trying to prove myself,” said Collett, who is a natural light weight.
“It’s a pretty relaxed lifestyle here. The weight is such an issue with most, but I can ride everyday of the week and not worry about sweating.
“That allows me to ride at my best both physically and mentally all the time.”
With cousin Jason Collett riding successfully in Australia, Sam would love the opportunity to show Australian punters her improved skills.
“I’m open with things like that. I was lucky enough to ride in Macau and I’ve ridden a few Kiwis in Australia, but if the opportunity came I’d grasp it with both hands,” Collett said.
“But for the meantime I’ll chase my goals at home and see what happens. If I ride 100 winners it might open a few more doors internationally.”