Ellis still hunting the winners
Red-hot veteran jockey Shane Ellis says despite his recent rich vein of form in the saddle, he remains hungry and determined for more success at Caymanas Park.
The 47-year-old Ellis, who had a slow start this year, signalled his return to top form when he booted home a hat-trick of winners on Monday’s nine-race card. The two-time former champion jockey had earlier produced a superb ride to guide CALULUS to a 7-1 upset victory in the Jamaica St Leger on Saturday.
Ellis, who is the son of former champion jockey Winston Ellis, has now ridden 15 winners from 98 rides this season. He said that he was very happy with his success so far this year and, therefore, his main focus right now is to win a lot more races in 2021.
“I am feeling very good right now because I am back on track, and things are going well at the moment,” said Ellis.
“Right now I am just staying focused because when things wasn’t going my way, I never gave up. I just continued to put in the hard work day in and day out, and it is paying off now,” he said. “In the racehorse game, you can’t be too easily distracted because you have to put in the hard work then the form will come, and so that is what is happening with me right now.”
He pointed out that despite his age, he is very fit because he takes pride in taking care of his body every day.
“Right now I am very fit because I work very hard in training, and the more rides I get, then the more races I will win. I know and believe in my abilities, and so I want to just continue to win more races this year,” Ellis stated.
He noted that CALCULUS has a “live shot” at winning next month’s Jamaica Derby, which will be run over 2,400 metres on Independence Day, August 6.
“He has a very live shot next month because he has been going really well,” he said. “You saw how he won last Saturday with a lot more left in the tank. He came out of the race with no injuries or anything, and so I am feeling confident about his chances in the Derby.”