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Growing up with parents who are Jim Collett and Trudy Thornton, it was always natural for Sam to have a talent for riding and excellent horsemanship. Although she wasn't always initially interested in following her parent's path and becoming a jockey, Sam wanted to be a vet. After learning about the required study commitments, she decided to pursue other courses, ultimately becoming a jockey. Growing up, Sam had always ridden ponies and competed but learning to ride thoroughbreds was a different kettle of fish.
Perhaps being older and riding full-time, Sam has reflected on her parents' sacrifices and the hours they put into the industry. She has made it an essential part of her life to get the work-life balance right. In her words, it's probably taken twelve out of the sixteen-year career to figure out how to get the 'mix' right. Now that she lives in Brisbane, the time out looks a little different in a city, but it's essential to unwind from the mental pressure of riding more than anything. In New Zealand, Sam owns a small property she enjoys mucking around on her days off. In the garden, with the animals or in the house, it's somewhat isolated – a huge perk – meaning Sam can be left alone and be far away from the noise and pressure of the race track. Regardless of her location, the 'Five-minute rule' is a method to the madness. Five minutes reflection on the race just been, whether good or bad, five minutes to think about it and found to have considerable benefits in two significant ways. Firstly, if it's a poor ride, it allows only five minutes of self-scrutiny before moving on. So it enables Sam to move on and not let it ruin the rest of her day. On a more positive note, it reflects what she has done well. If she 'nailed a ride', then it's nothing short of an excellent opportunity to think about how well she did and give herself a pat on the back.
A year or so ago, Sam moved to Brisbane permanently. Financially, she couldn't turn down the opportunity. As we all know, the Australian stake money is much higher than in New Zealand. Still, she thinks of a more professional but cutthroat environment. in New Zealand, Sam and I have to agree with her based on my time there; it's a much more pressurised environment and comes with a less personal relationship with owners and trainers. It has created a unique experience to make new connections and relationships in Australia. New Zealand is more heartening towards its participants, and we grow personally. Loyal towards trainers, jockeys and owners, and perhaps one of the more warming and beautiful parts of our industry, is our honourable and personal bonds. One thing I picked up that sprung to mind when talking to Sam was 'A change is as good as a holiday" the opportunity to throw yourself in the deep end is not often presented, but it's something we all need. That's what Sam has done, and she excelled. There are goals and targets to have, but Australia offers the ability to race all year round, meaning she can choose when to have a break, not at 'the quiet period'.
Speaking of moving to Australia, Sam calls that her most significant achievement. Moving to Australia is one thing, then into a well-developed and established jockey rank and making a name for herself is another. She has succeeded at both. The five-year plan consists of Sam being home in Matamata on her property and hopefully still riding should her body allow it. During covid, Sam started an interior design course which she would like to finish so she can pursue after her time in the saddle. But like most people in the industry, Sam looks forward to being able to give back.
Although the most joy comes from a special place in Sam's heart, her friends and
family are still ringing and sending messages of support after success or hard days. Sam also has her partner, Luke, with her in Brisbane, a jockey who makes the hard days easier to deal with and the good days better. The support keeps her going, especially as there are days when she misses home and her family.
Sam would like to see a change in the industry around support for participants. It's become an easy out to be negative and makes those long hours harder than they need to be. Support also needs to be extended from staff to owners to trainers to ensure that people are okay and that there are avenues for help and advice should they want or need it.
Sam has remained the same through all the glory, all of the success, and all of the highs and lows. Having tasted success at the highest level, the greatest is shown through the pride in her heart when she mentions her family and friends. A
testament to her character, she still chose for her career highlights so far as riding with her mum, Trudy and riding for her dad, Jim, who is training out of Matamata. Success comes in all shapes and forms, and behind Sam’s is the pride in her heart and her heart on her sleeve. A well-loved and respected member of our industry
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