Female jockey makes history at Queen's Plate

Last Updated: Monday, June 25, 2007 | 7:54 PM ET

CBC Sports

Emma-Jayne Wilson became the first woman to win the Queen's Plate, riding 15-to-1 long shot Mike Fox to a thrilling victory Sunday in the 148th running at Toronto's Woodbine Racetrack.

Wilson, a native of Bramalea, Ont., who has been Woodbine's top jockey over the last two years, had Mike Fox sitting third making the turn, then came up on Alezzandro down the stretch before catching 6-5 favourite Jiggs Coz just before the finish.

Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson celebrates aboard Mike Fox after winning the Queen's Plate at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto on Sunday.
(Frank Gunn/Canadian Press)

Alezzandro placed second, with Jiggs Coz taking third.

"History is made," Wilson said. "Reading some articles leading into this, I read how I wasn't on the best horse and things like that.

"As far as I was concerned I was very much on the best horse and he proved that today. I'm just so happy that we can say that: 'First female rider. Girl power, go for it.' I'm just so glad it will be the last time it will be said."

Mike Fox's victory earned owner D. Morgan Firestone the $600,000 winner's share.

Only eight horses entered the race, making for the smallest field in the last 30 years of the Queen's Plate, which is the first jewel in the triple crown of Canadian horse racing.

Leonnatus Anteas was a scratch due to a foot infection.

Wilson said she wasn't sure how much stamina her horse would have as the raced progressed.

"At the quarter-pole I thought we might settle for third, and if I ride hard enough we might get second," Wilson said. "But he found another reservoir of energy and just flew. 

"Those last few jumps were unbelievable. When horses dig down deep like that for you, you dig deep. You become such a team that you find these untapped reservoirs of energy and adrenalin that it's just inspiring."

Wilson's historic victory took place only a year after Josie Carroll became the first female trainer to capture the Queen's Plate with Edenwold.

Wilson also drew motivation on Saturday when reading a note she wrote to herself in 2001, declaring that she would one day become a full-time jockey.

"That gave me a lot of inspiration," she said.

Trainer Ian Black said Wilson exuded confidence as she walked out of his office Sunday morning.

"When she left, she shook my hand and said, 'Let's make history today,' " Black said. "She's a great, great rider, as strong as anybody out there and a bright, bright girl."

Wilson and Mike Fox will continue the pursuit of the Canadian Triple Crown with the Prince of Wales Stakes in Fort Erie, Ont., on July 15. The third and final jewel — the Breeders' Stakes turf event at Woodbine — is scheduled for Aug. 5.