Woodbine Mohawk Park: Julie Walker goes for the repeat in Saturday's International Women’s Day race

Woodbine Mohawk Park will host an all-women drivers race in celebration of International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8.

In last year’s International Women’s Day race, Julie Walker guided Prince Of Sussex up the inside and pulled away late to win by 3-3/4 lengths in 1:55 4/5 as the 2-1 second choice. An accomplished trainer in Ontario since 2008, Walker has 368 lifetime wins and sent out starters earning over $4.5 million.

“I got my [driving] license to help with the horses I train, not to be a driver,” Walker shared. “I think if I started driving when I was 19 or 20 like most of the guys do, I would’ve driven more, but I was intimidated. Once I was in my thirties I didn’t care, but it’s harder to get started then.”

This year’s race is the fourth edition of the International Women’s Day race. The tradition began in order to recognize the participation of Women in harness racing, something that was rare in the past.

“Growing up in Owen Sound I was kind of isolated,” Walker recalled. “But I remember going on a trip with my dad to Hawkinsville, Georgia and seeing two women who could do it all; Rebecca Titus and Sally Foxworth. Their success, and the success of my mom, Lori Thomson, Vicki Gregg, and Susan Walker, to name a few, has been inspiring.”

Alongside Walker driving Saturday’s race will be Marie Claude Auger, Jesse Turnenne, Anita Ouellette, Anne Marie Turnenne, Maggie Jones, Marielle Enberg, and Natasha Day.

“Maybe some of us in this race don’t want to be catch drivers, but any opportunities we have to drive, we should take, to increase opportunities for women in the future,” Walker said.

The reigning Women’s Day champ has no nerves, only excitement for Saturday's race.

“You only get nervous when you haven’t done it in a while, and I’ve been training my own horses enough that I’m ready. I’m looking forward to it.”

As for her bustling stable, Walker hinted that racing fans can be on the lookout for some strong Ontario Sired 3-year-olds coming from her barn this upcoming season.

Horse racing is unique in the way that men and women compete alongside one another at the highest level of the sport. Woodbine Mohawk Park is proud to celebrate the women of Standardbred racing with the upcoming International Women’s Day Race, and in their vast accomplishments throughout the year.

Post time on Saturday is 6:30 p.m.

The International Women’s Day Race will be Race 3 (7:26 p.m.)

-edited release (Grace Martin for Woodbine Communications)