Jockey Sylvia Harris earned her first career win on Saturday when she guided Wildwood Pegasus to a 7 1/2-length victory in the ninth race at Hawthorne Race Course.

“I think I may be the second African-American woman to win a race. Cheryl White did it first and she was my hero after that,” Harris said. “I don’t look that good on a horse, but it sure felt great out there.”

Harris, 40, is originally from California, where White serves as a steward. Harris has spent the previous three years in Chicago, where she works as an exercise rider for Charles Bettis, the trainer of Wildwood Pegasus.

Harris also picks up occasional mounts in races.

“Today is a dream come true,” Harris said. “It really is a dream come true.”