GULFSTREAM PARK PRESS RELEASE

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Jockey Cornelia Hartsmar, who had ridden 101 winners while campaigning in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and France, notched her first victory in North America Thursday at Gulfstream Park while guiding Lady River Lily to a front-running win in Race 8.

“This is 102,” the 26-year-old native of Sweden said. “I feel amazing. I feel like I just won the Derby.” 

Owned and trained by Douglas Seyler, Lady River Lily ($21.20), who had won one of her previous 18 starts, held gamely in deep stretch to prevail by three quarters of a length in the 7 furlong $17,500 claiming race for fillies and mares on turf. 

“I love this horse. I rode her at Saratoga. Ever since then, she’s just 100 percent every time,” said Hartsmar after breaking through with her first North American win on her 26th mount. “I had a feeling about today.”

Hartsmar, who rode at Saratoga in July and August before venturing to South Florida, plans to continue riding in North America for the foreseeable future.

Return to the February 20 issue of Wire to Wire