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A native of Brampton, Ontario, Wilson finished with 28 points, four
“I’ve been in a couple of these challenges in the past, and it’s
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Held in conjunction with the Lady Legends for the Cure Race II, featuring
eight retired female riders, the Challenge was part of The People’s Pink Party,
a joint effort between Pimlico and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s
largest breast cancer organization, to help raise money and awareness in the
fight against the disease.
Twelve points were awarded for finishing first among Challenge participants,
six for second, four for third and three for fourth in the 2ND, 4TH, 6TH and 8TH
races. For riders whose mounts were scratched, they were awarded the same
points, if any, as the finisher of the post-time Challenge favorite.
Rounding out the finishers were Rosie Napravnik (16 points), Vicky Baze (16)
and Chantal Sutherland (13). Baze and Napravnik picked up the other Challenge
victories, in the 2ND and 4TH races, respectively.
Wilson won the 2005 Eclipse Award and Canada’s Sovereign Award in 2005 and
2006 as champion apprentice jockey. In 2007, she became the first female to win
the historic Queen’s Plate, the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown.
“This is nice,” Wilson said. “I like doing things like this, because it puts
our game in the limelight. It’s good fun. We come out here a lot of times in big
money races and everybody’s out there to win, and that’s what you’re supposed to
do. Coming out for something like this, I’m out to win, but on top of that it’s
good to hang out with the riders, not just the girl riders. The pressure’s off.
To have fun with it and win it, that’s classic.”
Fourth after the first two Challenge races with 10 points, Wilson took the
lead in the 6TH race, finishing second with Terra Rolla (Oratory) but first
across the line among Challenge participants, giving her 22 points, one more
than Turner.
Boyce was the first Challenge finisher in the finale on Lucky Romeo (Proudest
Romeo), who ran second overall, but Wilson rallied late on 85-to-1 longshot One
Sunday (Sunday Break [Jpn]) to pass the other Challenge riders and pick up six
points for second.
“I don’t think any of us aren’t competitive,” Wilson said. “We all wanted to
win, and that’s why we’re at the top of our profession. This was really nice. I
truly enjoyed it.”
In the spirit of the afternoon, Wilson donated her $10,000 winner’s share to
Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
“It’s for a good cause,” she said. “We’re all out here to raise money for a
good cause, and to put our game out there in the limelight. So, if being part of
this gets our game out in the limelight and goes for a good cause, why not? They
put up a lot of money for this kind of event, and I really respect them for
that. This way I can return the gesture right back to them.”
Among the rooting section that drove in from Canada to support Wilson were
her parents, Lynne and Jim. In her six-year career, Wilson has won 807 races and
more than $38 million in purses.
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a jock,” Wilson said. “My parents
always used to say, ‘Follow your dreams and give it 110 percent.’ They know it’s
the job that I love, and they know I have a true passion for it. They’re a
true inspiration for me.”
The Challenge brought together six riders who have won a combined 5,471 races
and $132,426,474 in purses in the United States, Canada and England.