It’s been 10 years since her final thoroughbred race, but for Jillian Scharfstein, love for the sport and love for all things horses hasn’t waned in the least. The decision to hang up her riding silks was hardly an easy one for the Saskatchewan native. But, as Scharfstein admits, it was certainly the right choice.
Since 2006, the lifetime winner of 99 races has led an interesting life, to say the very least. And, as you might expect, horses still play a big role in it.
You finished your riding career with 99 wins, including some memorable stakes scores. Any regrets?
“Ninety-nine, can you believe that number (laughing)? I was looking at my stats on Equibase about a year ago and I saw that I had 99 career wins. There was a part of me that said, ‘Why don’t you lose five pounds, head to Marquis Downs, and get that 100th win?’ There’s no doubt it was hard to leave. I loved Woodbine and I loved what I did. But, there’s a point where you have to listen to what your body is telling you and I made the decision to retire. It wasn’t easy. I think moving back to Saskatchewan was a good idea because if I had stayed in Toronto, there would have been no force strong enough to keep me away.”