Erin Palmer/Emerald Downs Photo: Jockey Elizka Zubinova is given a leg up Saturday on Sassy Britches by trainer Dan Kenney for her first professional ride in America at Emerald Downs. Sassy Britches finished sixth. Sept. 3, 2011

ELIZKA KUBINOVA FINISHES SIXTH SATURDAY IN AMERICAN RIDING DEBUT AT EMERALD DOWNS

AUBURN, Wash. (Sept. 3, 2011) – It’s fairly common to see a Thoroughbred import arrive from Europe to race in America. What isn’t so common is a jockey arriving from Europe to ride in the United States—at least not at Emerald Downs.

That, however, was the case Saturday when 22-year-old Elizka Kubinova of the Czech Republic began her American riding career with a mount aboard Sassy Britches in the fifth race.

Following a smooth break from the starting gate, Sassy Britches pressed the pace to mid-stretch and finished sixth in the $3,500 claiming race won by betting favorite Ann’s Seven and jockey Leslie Mawing.

After dismounting, Kubinova was presented two bouquets of roses: one from Regan Bray, girlfriend of trainer Dan Kenney, and another from an anonymous well wisher from Kubinova’s home country.

“I’m happy with how the filly ran, and I’m excited for the rest of my races this weekend,” said Kubinova, who is scheduled to ride twice Monday on the Labor Day program.

Born in Jesenik, Czech Republic, where she attended jockeys’ school and rode in approximately 25 races, the petite blonde relocated last year to Bellevue, Wash., where she was working as a babysitter before getting the itch to resume riding. “I didn’t like the job, so I decided to ride again,” she said. “I’m enjoying this much more.”

Kubinova arrived at Emerald Downs last February when the track opened for training, and since May has worked for trainers Dan Kenney and Ryan Kenney. After Emerald Downs finishes later this month Kubinova plans to head south for the Portland Meadows meeting.