Emma-Jayne Wilson Makes Her Triumphant Return to Racing This Thursday

Emma-Jayne Wilson Makes Her Triumphant Return to Racing This Thursday

She’s back — and we couldn’t be more excited.

Emma-Jayne Wilson, one of the greatest jockeys this country has ever produced, returns to the saddle this thursday, June 12th, and the entire racing world will be watching. For fans, horsepeople, and young riders looking for inspiration, this is a comeback that means something. It’s the return of a champion, a record-breaker, and a true icon of Canadian horse racing.

The Best of the Best — With the Stats to Prove It

Emma-Jayne Wilson isn’t just a top jockey — she’s the highest-earning female rider in the history of horse racing. In 2024, she officially passed U.S. Hall of Famer Julie Krone’s long-standing record, hitting over $90.1 million USD in career purse earnings — that’s well over $120 million Canadian. It happened right here at Woodbine aboard Perfect Lady Bee, in what turned out to be a historic moment not just for Wilson, but for women in the sport everywhere.

Since her debut in 2004, Wilson has racked up:

• 1,930 career wins

• 129 stakes victories

• 39 graded stakes wins

Those numbers speak volumes — and she’s far from done.

A Queen’s Plate Champion

Of course, no mention of Emma-Jayne would be complete without talking about that legendary day in 2007, when she made history as the first female jockey ever to win the Queen’s Plate, riding Mike Fox to victory. That win didn’t just shake up the sport — it changed it forever. She showed the world that talent, grit, and determination can break through any barrier.

Representing Canada Around the World

Emma-Jayne has proudly worn the maple leaf on the international stage, too. She’s won races overseas — including a thrilling team victory for the Girls’ Team at the Shergar Cup at Ascot in 2015 — proving she can compete and win anywhere in the world.

She’s represented Canadian racing with class and power from day one. In 2005, she was named Canada’s Outstanding Apprentice Jockey and won the Eclipse Award for top apprentice in North America — a rare and prestigious double. In 2018, she was honoured with the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, recognizing her incredible contributions to the sport.

A True Trailblazer

Emma-Jayne Wilson is more than her numbers. She’s one of the toughest, smartest, and most respected riders ever to set foot in a starting gate. Her legacy has already been written in the history books — and now, she’s coming back to write the next chapter.

For owners, fans, and young inspiring jockeys, she’s an inspiration. For the HBPA of Ontario and the entire racing community, she’s a cornerstone of our sport — and we’re absolutely thrilled to welcome her back this coming Thursday!