Matthew Bennett, who won the champion apprentice title last year, attributes his success to his dedication to the sport.

Bennett rode 22 winners from 208 mounts to top the apprentices while finishing 10th in the jockey’s standing.

Bennett finished behind Reyan Lewis (99 winners), Tevin Foster (89 winners), Dane Dawkins (86 winners), Raddesh Roman (50 winners), Anthony Thomas (40 winners), Javaniel Patterson (37 winners), Phillip Parchment (34 winners), Roger Hewitt (24 winners), and Paul Francis (24 winners).

“I was wondering when I was going to reach this stage in my career, but I went through the process and fell into the hands of the Almighty,” Bennett told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“It takes hard work and dedication. You have to work on your weight because the lighter you are, the better it will be. The trainers will work with you once you have the potential to get the job done,” Bennett continued.

Bennett says now he is working to become a champion jockey.

“I have always watched races on television, and that was where I got the interest. From there on, I told myself that I wanted to get involved in the sport. A friend of mine brought me over to the racetrack, and I never left the sport. Here I am living my dream of being a jockey.

“I won champion apprentice last year, so the hope now as a full-fledged rider, I want to become a champion jockey. It won’t be easy, as it will take a lot of hard work, discipline, and dedication. Success only comes with hard work,” Bennett affirmed.