At the beginning of her career, a feature Sunday meeting at Rockhampton would have seemed an unlikely setting for reaching 1000 career winners by jockey Samantha Collett but 2023 The Archer Day will be one the 33-year-old will remember.
In reaching this new level, Collett joins both her parents, Judy Thornton and Jim Collett, in netting the milestone.
“I’m trying not to get a bit emotional which seems pathetic,” Collett said after winning aboard the Matt Kropp-trained Deb’s Ellie in the Knight Frank Agribusiness Handicap over 1100-metres.
“It’s not more so for me but it is for mum and dad.
“To join them is special for me as well as, obviously, the achievement for myself.
“Dad, he’s always so proud and doesn’t miss a race and mum is the same.
New Zealand born, Collett rode her first winner at Ruakaka in 2007.
Sixteen years later, and with three Group 1 wins among the thousand, Collett along with her mother and father join unique company among jockey families globally.
Forty-five of those wins were aboard horses trained by Jim.
“It means a lot and it is really sentimental,” she added
“Hopefully I can back it up in the next.”
