In 2005 the racing world focused on 3-year-old colt Afleet Alex, older handicap horse Saint Liam, and the recently retired jockeys Gary Stevens and Jerry Bailey. However, at Woodbine in Canada, history was being made as female jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson not only was the top apprentice, but was the leading rider in wins overall. In her first year as a licensed jockey, the 24-year-old Brampton native collected 180 wins and a North America-leading $6.3 million in purse earnings among apprentice jockeys. It was a feat that did not go un-noticed in the year-end awards, as in December she was awarded the Sovereign Award as Canada's top apprentice jockey. A month later she was recognized across the continent when she was presented with the Eclipse Award for apprentice jockeys, beating out New York-based Channing Hill and fellow Canadian Justin Stein. She is only the second female rider to win the apprentice Eclipse, after Rosemary Homeister Jr., and the second Canadian winner, after Neil Poznansky.

With her 175 wins in 1,096 mounts at Woodbine (a 16% win clip,) she was the first female rider to win the track's riding title in its 50-year history. Two of those victories were in stakes, winning the Bell Canadian Stakes (G2) aboard Classic Stamp and the Ontario Lassie Stakes aboard Our Madison. She said, "Winning the stakes with Classic Stamp, I was just so happy to be the one to do it with her. All the races she had won (before), I was a part of them, but as an exercise rider. This time I was the jock."

Wilson did not come from a racing background although she rode show horses at the age of 9, and by the time she was 15 she wanted to become a jockey. She told her parents, "I don't care if I ride 5 races and finish last in all of them, at least I followed my dream." However, they convinced her to keep all options open rather than go straight to the track at that age like many aspiring riders. She decided to pursue the sport by first educating herself in all aspects of horsemanship. While at the University of Guelph's equine management program, she took classes in both English and Western horsemanship, the business side of equine management, practical health and chores for horses, along with galloping Thoroughbreds at the track. By the time she joined up with agent Mike Luider, she was more than ready to take on the best jockeys in Canada. However, with her broad educational background she always has a "fall-back" plan in the industry in case her riding career is cut short.

She continues to be a student of the game, admitting at the Sovereign Awards that she still has a long way to go. "I am looking forward to this winter as it will give me the opportunity to fine-tune my skills as a jockey. Always learning is paramount in regards to ongoing success." In order to preserve her apprentice allowance for the 2006 Woodbine meet, she did not race during the winter, instead galloping horses for Canadian powerhouse Sam-Son Farms at their Ocala training center.

Her 2006 season began on a positive note, as, after being recognized for her accomplishments by the racing community in her home country and across the continent, she was recognized by her home town. The City of Brampton inducted her into their Sports Hall of Fame, and she was also one of 20 women named by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport (CAAWS) as one of the most influential women in sport. When the Woodbine Thoroughbred season begins on April 1, racing fans will once again be able to witness the raw talent that is Emma-Jayne Wilson.

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Gotham Stakes Day at Aqueduct