Discover the Origins of Your Sporty Affection

Jessica Paquette: A Horse-Crazy Journey

Growing up, Jessica was a horse enthusiast with limited financial means. However, she immersed herself in every horse-related media she could find. In the early days of the internet, she discovered like-minded kids on AOL message boards. Fast forward to 1999 and the Breeders’ Cup at Gulfstream Park. Thanks to the kindness and vision of Kids to the Cup, she was there. And to her delight, her favorite horse, Blazing Sword, was running. Standing in the grandstand, she was awestruck and knew at just 14 that this was her calling. Kids to the Cup became a turning point in her life and that of many other young racing fans.

That experience set her on a path where she continues to be passionate about the sport. She now serves as a Parx announcer, sharing her love and knowledge with others.

Caroline Wilson: From Dublin to Kentucky

Caroline grew up in Clontarf, a suburb of Dublin with no direct connection to racing. But her cousin Sarah was involved in eventing and show jumping, and Caroline looked up to her. She got into riding lessons and explored the eventing and show jumping world. During summers, she spent time at Crossogue Stud in Tipperary, owned by Mark Molloy, where she bugged him to let her ride his national hunt race horses.

In 2010, her first trip to Kentucky was a life-changing experience. She worked at Ashford Stud and got to touch a foal for the first time. This led to her involvement in research, particularly with the Equilume light mask. After a year at Castleton Lyons, she realized this was her path. She then applied for the Godolphin Flying Start program, which she considers a turning point in her career.

Now, as part of SF Bloodstock, she gets to work on the breeding side with stallions and is involved in the racing stable. They've had great success this year with Citizen Bull and Moira. She feels fortunate to be in this position and is challenged every day.

Caroline is one of two children. Her brother is four years younger and is a classical guitarist. Her dad often remarks on how both of them have found careers in their areas of passion.

If you have a story of how you got hooked on racing, email suefinley@thetdn.com.