5 Shocking Career Records And The Tenacious 2025 Comeback Of Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson

As of December 2025, Emma-Jayne Wilson continues to solidify her legacy as one of the greatest jockeys in Canadian and North American history, not just for her talent in the saddle but for her unparalleled tenacity. The veteran rider, a fixture at Woodbine Racetrack, recently made a triumphant return to racing in the 2025 season after a serious fall in late 2024, proving once again why she holds the title of the highest-earning female jockey in the sport's history, with career purse earnings soaring past the $91 million mark. The narrative of Wilson's career is one of relentless achievement, marked by multiple awards, a prestigious King's Plate victory, and a consistent presence atop the earnings leaderboard that has seen her eclipse the records of Hall of Fame legends. Her ability to bounce back from adversity, including her most recent injury, has captivated the racing world, making her 2025 performance a highlight of the year's racing calendar and a testament to her enduring passion for Thoroughbred racing.

The Complete Profile: Emma-Jayne Wilson Biography

Emma-Jayne Wilson is a Canadian Thoroughbred horse racing jockey whose career has been defined by championship titles, record-breaking earnings, and a reputation for grit and determination. Below is a snapshot of her professional and personal life.

• Full Name: Emma-Jayne Wilson
• Date of Birth: September 1, 1981
• Place of Birth: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
• Primary Racetrack: Woodbine Racetrack (Toronto, Ontario)
• Education: University of Guelph (Equine Management)
• Career Start: 2001 (First win in her second career mount at Fort Erie)
• Major Career Milestone: First female jockey in Canada to win the Queen's Plate (now King's Plate) in 2007.
• Key Awards: Sovereign Award (Champion Apprentice Jockey 2005, 2006), Eclipse Award (Outstanding Apprentice Jockey 2005), Avelino Gomez Memorial Award (2019).
• Career Wins: Over 1,930 victories.
• Career Purse Earnings: Over $91 million (US).

The Record-Shattering Career: How Wilson Became the Highest-Earning Female Jockey

Emma-Jayne Wilson’s name is permanently etched into the history books of North American horse racing, not just as a successful jockey, but as a trailblazer who redefined what was possible for female riders. Her consistency and longevity have resulted in financial milestones that were once unimaginable for women in the sport.

Eclipsing the $90 Million Mark and Julie Krone's Record

Wilson holds the monumental distinction of being the highest-earning female jockey in the history of Thoroughbred racing. Her mounts have earned well over $91 million in purses, a figure that officially surpassed the long-standing record held by U.S. Hall of Famer Julie Krone. This achievement is a clear indicator of her sustained excellence, as a jockey's earnings are a direct reflection of their ability to secure rides on high-caliber, high-stakes horses over many years.

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Her career earnings are a testament to her skill at Woodbine, where she has been a leading rider for two decades. The vast majority of her success has come in the highly competitive Canadian circuit, which hosts some of the most lucrative races in North America.

The Prestigious King's Plate Victory

In 2007, Wilson achieved one of the most significant victories of her career and a historic moment for Canadian racing. She rode the longshot Mike Fox to victory in the Queen’s Plate (now known as the King’s Plate), which is the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown and the oldest continuously run race in North America. This win made her only the second female jockey ever to win the prestigious race, following Vicky Earle's victory in 1991.

The triumph aboard Mike Fox cemented her status as a top-tier rider, capable of winning the biggest races on the continent. This victory, coupled with dozens of other stakes victories, showcased her ability to handle the pressure of elite competition.

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The 2025 Comeback: Tenacity and Triumph After Adversity

The career of any top jockey is punctuated by injuries, and Emma-Jayne Wilson is no exception. However, her ability to face serious setbacks and return stronger is a core element of her legacy, particularly her recovery leading into the 2025 season.

The October 2024 Setback

In October 2024, Wilson suffered a significant injury after being unseated from a horse at Woodbine Racetrack. The fall required hospitalization and a lengthy period of recovery. While the prognosis was described as "excellent," the incident required her to miss the remainder of the 2024 season. Fans and industry professionals watched closely, knowing that the physical demands of a jockey’s job make a return from such an injury a monumental feat.

A Determined Return to the Saddle in 2025

Wilson’s goal was to be back in time for the start of the 2025 Woodbine racing season, which typically begins in April. While she did not ride on opening day, her dedication to rehabilitation saw her make a determined return to the saddle shortly thereafter.

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Her first win of the 2025 Woodbine season came aboard the horse Cozy Curlin Kitten, a victory that was symbolic of her successful comeback and a moment celebrated across the racing community. This early success in the year demonstrated that she had lost none of her competitive edge or riding ability during her recovery.

2025 Season Performance and Statistics

Despite the late start due to injury, Wilson’s 2025 statistics reflect a strong return to form and a continued dedication to her craft. As of late 2025, her performance includes:

• Starts: 113
• Wins (Firsts): 9
• Placings (Seconds): 12
• Showings (Thirds): 15
• Earnings: Over $603,000

These figures highlight her immediate impact upon returning to the competitive Woodbine circuit, securing a win percentage of 8% and an impressive in-the-money rate (first, second, or third) of 32%. Her focus on quality mounts and strategic riding continues to pay dividends, adding to her already staggering career totals.

The Enduring Legacy of an Equine Management Champion

Emma-Jayne Wilson’s impact extends beyond the racetrack. Her background is unique, having attended the University of Guelph where she studied Equine Management. This academic foundation, combined with her innate riding talent, has given her a deeper understanding of the horses she rides, contributing to her long-term success and ability to communicate effectively with trainers and owners.

She has been a consistent role model, inspiring countless young women to pursue careers in a sport historically dominated by men. Her multiple awards, including the prestigious Avelino Gomez Memorial Award in 2019 for her contributions to the sport both on and off the track, underscore her status as a well-respected figure in the industry. The story of Emma-Jayne Wilson is not just about breaking records; it is about grit, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities that continue to define her remarkable career in 2025 and beyond.