Apprentice rider Clawson sticking with Gorder after first victory

Apprentice jockey Katie Clawson, who scored the first victory of her career June 17 at Churchill Downs, plans to continue riding for mentor Kellyn Gorder throughout the summer as she launches her career.

Clawson, 19, finished second aboard her first two mounts at Churchill Downs before piloting Street Thunder to a front-running victory in a claiming race. The 3-year-old filly bobbled at the start but recovered to post a 5 1/2-length win.

Clawson, a self-described “horse freak,” grew up in Indiana, where she rode hunter-jumpers and was involved with the local 4H club. Her interest in horse racing was sparked by high-profile Thoroughbreds Smarty Jones, Barbaro, and, most notably, the great mare Zenyatta. She has been exercise riding for Gorder since last November.

“It’s been pretty amazing,” Clawson said. “The boss has put me on horses that have put me in a good spot and the ones that know where they need to be, and it’s made me look pretty good. Each race has been just great. All the fillies have run for me, and the horses have just been fantastic for me. They’re the ones doing most of the work. Everything has really set up the right way.”

Clawson, a 10-pound apprentice, is named aboard what would be the fourth mount of her career Saturday night, the 5-year-old mare Folded Wings, in an allowance race for trainer Danielle Rosier. However, the race is currently oversubscribed, with Folded Wings and Clawson needing two scratches to draw in.