Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Chantal Sutherland's journey into sports and racing began in her youth, when she demonstrated a strong talent for athletics, particularly excelling in field hockey. As a teenager, she played competitively and earned a spot on Canada’s national Junior World Cup team. During this time, her introduction to horses came through her experience in jumping and dressage. Despite her father’s initial disapproval, Chantal pursued a career in flat Thoroughbred racing after completing her degree in communications and psychology from York University in Toronto.
Her professional jockey career took off in 2000. By her second season, Chantal had claimed an impressive 124 victories, a remarkable achievement that earned her Canada's prestigious Sovereign Award for outstanding apprentice jockey in both 2001 and 2002.
Rising Stardom
Her fame grew rapidly, and she soon became one of the most recognisable figures in horse racing. In 2006, she was named one of People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People and featured in a high-profile Vogue magazine photo spread by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. She also became the face of Mistura Beauty, a Canadian cosmetics brand, and gained further fame through her appearances on the reality television show "Jockeys" on Animal Planet.
In March 2011, Chantal made history as the first female jockey to win the Santa Anita Handicap aboard Game On Dude. That year, she also finished second with the same horse in both the Hollywood Gold Cup in July and the Breeders' Cup Classic in November. Her accomplishments in 2011 solidified her status as a trailblazing female jockey. In 2012, she rode Game On Dude in the Dubai World Cup, making her the first woman jockey to participate in the world’s richest horse race. Though she finished 12th, she continued to achieve significant milestones, such as becoming the first female jockey to win the Hollywood Gold Cup that same year.
Chantal’s career successes continued to pile up. On May 6, 2017, she joined the ranks of Canadian-born female jockeys who reached the 1,000-win milestone. However, her success in racing didn’t come without personal challenges. She had a long-term relationship with Hall of Fame jockey Mike E. Smith, which ended after six years. Despite their engagement, the couple called it off in 2010, just before competing against each other in the Queen's Plate at Woodbine Racetrack. In August 2011, their rivalry was showcased in a special event dubbed the “Battle of the Exes.”
Personal Life and Media Spotlight
Chantal’s personal life saw more change when she married businessman Dan Kruse in 2012, after meeting him on a blind date. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2016. Beyond the racetrack, Chantal's striking appearance garnered media attention, with features in "Sports Illustrated", and "Vogue", and her being cast in an Esquire watches commercial. She also made appearances on HBO’s series "Luck", where she portrayed a character named Lizzy.
Chantal Sutherland’s impact on horse racing extends beyond her victories and fame. She played an essential role in changing the face of Del Mar Racetrack as its new spokesperson in 2000, helping it attract a younger and more diverse audience through fashion-focused marketing campaigns. Over her illustrious career, she has become a prominent figure not only for her skill but for breaking barriers as a female athlete in a male-dominated sport.