News
Wilkinson Representing Ladies in Jock's Room
by Jada Buchanan
Move over boys, there is a new jockey in town. Erin Wilkinson is the newest female jockey to make Hoosier Park her home for the Thoroughbred Season. The 25-year-old jockey is from Kentucky and added Hoosier Park on her schedule this fall. Wilkinson came into the Hoosier Park season later than most jockeys, but she plans to come back next year and make this her home.
Wilkinson came to Hoosier Park at the beginning of October for the final month of racing. Of these few weeks she has been here, she has had 22 starts and has won three races through Wednesday, Oct. 14. Wilkinson received a call from Maurice Armstrong, also known as “Moose” in the jockey’s room, weeks ago about coming to ride at Hoosier Park.
“He (Moose) thought I should come up here and try my luck out and meet people to ride for,” said Wilkinson. “I really can’t thank him enough for thinking of me and tracking me down.”
Wilkinson is heading into the beginning of her second year as a jockey in the fast paced world of the Thoroughbred racing industry. She has had a competitive edge around horses for a few years. Wilkinson use to show horses for fun and learned how to ride. She started first with riding show jumping and hunt seat classes. Wilkinson started working at a track in Kentucky from the very bottom of the horse-related jobs.
“English riding style was how I learned how to ride,” said Wilkinson. “I started from the bottom. I hot walked and galloped every horse I could to learn about Thoroughbreds and how to ride them.”
Wilkinson had her first race at Ellis Park and has continued to ride wherever she can since.
“I don’t have a set schedule yet,” said Wilkinson. “I am trying to get as many rides as I can and I am working really hard to get them. I do plan on coming back here next year for the Thoroughbred racing season but I willing to go anywhere and ride. I really like this track and the people that are here,” said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson has learned to watch how other jockeys ride and learn from them.
“I have to thank a lot of people that have helped me get where I am today,” said Wilkinson. “My parents have done nothing but support me and give me everything I need, and my boyfriend, Jared Robertson, who races Thoroughbreds, has been right there by me the whole time. Also, I really appreciate all the help Rodney Prescott and Tommy Pompell have given me these last few weeks. They are always willing to give me advice or answer questions I have after races. I really owe them.”
