Female jockey Sutherland will make history at Dubai today

Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Chantal Sutherland will make history today as the first woman jockey to ride in the world’s richest horse race. She hopes many more will follow.

Sutherland will ride Game On Dude in the $10 million Dubai World Cup, the latest breakthrough for the 36-year-old rider from Toronto. She is one of several dozen female jockeys racing in North America, and perhaps the most well known.

“I don’t feel pressure. I feel really honored and grateful,” Sutherland said. “As soon as the gates open, I think I’ve made history. I hope I’m one of many to come in the Dubai World Cup and hope I see more women making it at this level. There are a lot of great female jockeys.”

Sutherland remains somewhat of an anomaly in the male-dominated, tradition-rich sport of horse racing where owners often hesitate to give females a chance and women lack the kind of role models and support network enjoyed by the male jockeys.

But the 12-year veteran said things are gradually changing.

More women are getting rides in big races like the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic. Their numbers are slowly increasing in the U.S., Australia and Europe. The industry, too, is starting to recognize the benefits of female jockeys — especially when it comes to attracting a new audience to a sport that is struggling to stay afloat financially.

“Sometimes, it is a little bit of a boys’ club. I think all women can agree with me,” Sutherland said.

Florida Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla.

Before Union Rags gets to the Kentucky Derby, another challenge awaits.

The consensus favorite entering the Triple Crown season could further solidify that position today, when he’ll almost certainly be sent off as the top choice in the Florida Derby, a $1 million, Grade 1 test at Gulfstream Park that typically serves as one of the top prep races before the Kentucky Derby. A field of nine is entered, including morning-line second-choice El Padrino.

Union Rags has won four of his five lifetime starts, beaten only by a head by Hansen in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. His only race as a 3-year-old was also at Gulfstream, an easy victory in the Fountain of Youth.

“Right now, I’m pretty excited with the way he’s going to come into the Florida Derby,” said trainer Michael Matz.