Dubai: Soaking in all the attention that she has received for being the first female jockey to race in the $10 million (Dh36.7 million) Group 1 Dubai World Cup, Chantal Sutherland downplayed the tough task of winning from stall 14 on Game On Dude.
Game On Dude, the Breeder's Cup Classic runner-up, drew stall 14 and co-owner Bernie Schiappa had expressed happiness, a view echoed by the Canadian ace yesterday. "I agree, I think the draw it is fine," said Chantal.
"I know his [Game On Dude] style. If you are given the opportunity to putt first on the green or putt second; I would like to putt second for you get to see everybody else's move," she said, hoping the outside stall will give her a good view of how the other horses are faring.
"I know my horse and I know I will be able to deal with whatever situation. I have a tactical horse," Chantal said, rating Game On Dude as one of the best she has ridden.
"Game On Dude has a very big heart and he is the best I have ever ridden," she said, adding that the changing weather conditions here did not affect her much. "Every other horse in the field will have to deal with it, so it is okay," she said. Chantal added that Game On Dude looked in great shape.
Commenting on the all-weather track at Meydan, Chantal said, "I think the track here is very similar to that at Hollywood Park. The texture is more like Hollywood Park and it will suit Game On Dude."
Confident
Chantal was also confident that Bob Baffert, Game On Dude's trainer who suffered a heart attack on Monday here in Dubai, will be present on race day. "I visited him and he is doing very well. He will be there on Saturday," she said.
"I feel like a superstar," she said after receiving a lot of attention since she was named to ride Game On Dude in the Dubai World Cup.
"I don't feel any pressure; I feel I am very honoured. I think I will make history. And I hope it will be one of many to come," Chantal said.
"I hope there will be more women making it to this level. There are a lot of great lady jockeys though they are still only about one per cent of the population," she said adding that she did face a tough time breaking into what she called a "boy's club".
"It has not been easy; I think it is still a boy's club. I think all women will agree with me," Chantal said.
When asked about Game On Dude responding well to women, Chantal said female jockeys could perhaps be more successful as they have a soft and tolerant side to their nature.
"Even if you see some of the best jockeys in the world — like Frankie Dettori and Mike Smith — they have a soft touch and they are more tolerant… at least that is my opinion," she said.
After the Dubai World Cup, the Canadian star said she is keen on riding at the Royal Ascot, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan.
