Almost without exception successful horse trainers are hard workers. There’s a 35 year old Grafton based Mum who’s in accord with the quote made famous by former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who said “hard work won’t always get you to the top but with ordinary luck will get you pretty near.”Samantha’s been around horses from the toddling stage. After notable success in the pony club and campdrafting pursuits, she transitioned to thoroughbreds by becoming a trackwork rider at the busy Grafton training precinct. A successful two and a half year stint as a jockey triggered her interest in the training of the animal and that’s where we find her today. Sam works a team of twenty horses from Hosier Lodge right on the Grafton track and has already established a reputation as a very serious young trainer in the  northern region. Samantha and husband Matt McGuren live 20 kms outside Grafton requiring very early starts for both. Matt is currently having a break from the rigours of the sweat box but still has a significant input into stable duties. Sam says he rides a number of horses before heading off to his day job.She pays tribute to Matt’s skills as a professional jockey and the other talents he’s been able to develop along the way. Sam says she doesn’t ride as much trackwork these days but still needs to be on standby.She acknowledges the input of her stable apprentice Grace Palmer and a handful of other jockeys who help out from time to time.The young mother talks about her darling daughters Makella and Addison. Thirteen year old Makella already has her future well and truly earmarked.Sam talks about her lifetime passion for campdrafting and the nasty injury she suffered three years ago.She still marvels at her good luck in finding the right horse to kick start her training career. Digital online purchase Fortyfive Parklane won 6 races for his fledgling trainer.Sam gives a shoutout to a few special horses who helped to get her training career up and running.She looks back on childhood days at Maclean near Grafton and her early fascination with horses.Samantha looks  back on her introduction to trackwork at Grafton. She was besotted from “day 1.”The dedicated horsewoman reflects on her apprenticeship to Grafton trainer Terry Commerford whose support was invaluable.Sam remembers the thrill of her first race win and the momentum she was able to generate during her apprenticeship. That momentum enabled her to become champion northern rivers apprentice in the 2010/2011 season.She had a soft spot for the Commerford trained Montana Hilton who remains the favourite from her race riding days.Sam looks back on the transfer of her indentures to respected Taree trainer Ross Stitt who also gave her partner Matt McGuren a role in his busy operation.She talks of her admiration for Sydney based fellow female rider Kathy O’Hara. This is a laid back chat with a dedicated young trainer who sees herself being around thoroughbreds for the duration of her working life.