Mia Nicholls Wins First Race in North America
At 13h48, on February 7, 2025 • By Gulfstream Park
Jockey Mia Nicholls, a seven-pound apprentice from England, won her first race in North America Thursday when she guided Princess Cairo to victory in Gulfstream Park’s second race.
Princess Cairo, a 5-year-old mare trained by Jeremiah O’Dwyer, was ridden to a four-length victory by Nicholls.
“She broke well…turning for home she got into her own rhythm and did it nicely,” Nicholls said.
A winner of 28 races in her native England, Nicholls had been galloping horses for O’Dwyer last winter before deciding to ride in the afternoons this year. The 20-year-old said she’s getting accustomed to riding in the U.S. and plans to stay in North America.
“It’s all very different, but I’m coming to terms with it now,” she said. “I’m getting my P-1 visa sorted and I might go to Maryland in the summer. But, yeah, America is now the future for me.”
The estimated jackpot pool of the 20-cent Rainbow 6 Friday is $350,000.
Friday’s Rainbow 6 begins with Race 4, five furlongs claiming event on the Tapeta for maiden 3-year-olds. The fifth and ninth races will be contested on the turf. The fifth race is an optional allowance claimer for 3-year-old fillies while the ninth race is a maiden special weight event for 3-year-old state breds.
