Sutherland returns to riding

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Toronto, Canada (Sports Network) - Chantal Sutherland, who retired from thoroughbred riding last October, has come out of retirement at Woodbine Racecourse.

The 37-year-old rode in Friday's fourth race at Woodbine and finished fifth aboard Solidus.

"It felt good," said Sutherland, following Friday's fourth race. "I think I need to get a little fitter though. I think it will take a couple races before I feel fine."

Sutherland is slated to ride at Woodbine through the weekend and next Wednesday.

"I just started dreaming about it again," said Sutherland, who is working for Del Mar's marketing department. "All of a sudden I started waking up at 4 a.m. I missed it too much; I love all the people at the racetrack."

Sutherland had retired from race riding shortly before last year's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita. She had been the regular jockey for Game On Dude, but was relieved of those duties after finishing second to Dullahan in Del Mar's Pacific Classic.

"I'll be racing at Del Mar but will be coming back and forth from Woodbine a little bit," said Sutherland.

Sutherland restarts her riding career with 931 winners, including 71 stakes victories, and career earnings of $47,285,391.