Able: I will not give up

Despite registering just one victory from 101 rides to date, apprentice female jockey Abigail Able says she is not giving up on her chosen profession. According to her, she will continue to work hard as she believes the winners will start coming very soon.

Able, who began riding in September 2018, has so far had limited success. Her only win was aboard the Wayne daCosta-trained sprinter ENGLAND ROSE in August of last year.

The 23-year-old Able told STAR Sports that she is not perturbed by her lack of success as she continues to work hard on improving her skills in the saddle.

"I am still working hard same way, and I don't let it get to me because I know that the time will come when I am going to win a lot of races," said Able. "I am not worrying about anything ... I am just trying to improve my craft and staying focused."

She added: "Everybody has been telling me, 'yes, you are ready now because you are getting tighter in the saddle', and so I feel that I am ready now."

Able, the first female jockey to ride in the rich Diamond Mile, noted that her male counterparts and trainers have been very supportive, and this has helped her to remain dedicated to the sport.

"The love and encouragement from the male jockeys remains excellent. They are always saying, 'yes, you can do it ... continue working hard and the wins will come'. I feel a lot stronger right now and I am very fit," she said.

"My trainer (Wayne daCosta) has given me the 'props' (encouragement) because he says that I am improving. I have been working a lot of broncos (young horses) lately and so I am getting the necessary experience."

Able is one of three female apprentice jockeys at the track. The others are Tamicka Lawrence and Samantha Fletcher.