The UK has a long and proud history of horse racing and has been home to some of the greatest jockeys of all time. However, for many years, the sport has been dominated by white jockeys, with very few black riders making their mark. In recent years, however, there has been a significant rise in the number of black jockeys in the UK. This article will explore the rise of black jockeys in the UK and look at some of the key figures in the industry.
History of Black Jockeys in the UK
The history of black jockeys in the UK goes back to the late 19th century, when several African-American jockeys came to Britain to compete in the Grand National. Among them was the legendary jockey Isaac Burns Murphy, who became the first African-American to win the Grand National in 1887. Murphy was followed by other African-American jockeys such as Willie Simms and James Washington, who both had success at the Grand National.
However, these successes by African-American jockeys were short-lived, as overt racism and segregation in the early 20th century meant that black jockeys were increasingly marginalised and excluded from the sport. This trend continued until the 1960s, when the Civil Rights movement in America began to have an impact in the UK, leading to the gradual acceptance of black jockeys in the sport.
Recent Increase in the Number of Black Jockeys
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of black jockeys competing in UK horse racing. According to figures from the British Horse Racing Authority (BHA), the number of black jockeys has risen from just 3 in 2010, to 40 in 2018. This is still a relatively small number compared to the overall number of jockeys in the UK, which stands at around 1,500, but it is still a significant rise.
Key Figures in the Industry
There are several key figures in the industry who have been instrumental in the rise of black jockeys in the UK. Among them is the British-born jockey Hayley Turner, who has been one of the most successful black riders in the country. Turner has won several major races, including the 2011 Oaks and the 2012 International Stakes, and she has been an inspiration to many aspiring black jockeys.
Another key figure is Godfrey Murtagh, who was the first black jockey to compete in the Grand National in 1988. Murtagh has gone on to become one of the most successful black jockeys in the UK, winning several major races and becoming the first black jockey to win the Champion Hurdle in 1998.
Role of Diversity Initiatives
Over the past decade, there have been several initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in the sport, such as the British Horseracing Authority’s ‘Racing to School’ programme, which aims to introduce young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to the sport. This programme has had a significant impact on the number of black jockeys in the UK, and it has also led to the formation of the National Association of Black Jockeys, which provides support and advice to black jockeys.
Difficulties Faced by Black Jockeys
Despite the increase in the number of black jockeys in the UK, there are still many challenges that black jockeys face. One of the main issues is racism, both from within the sport and from the wider public. This has led to some black jockeys being under-represented and under-recognised in the sport.
Another major challenge is the lack of financial support available to black jockeys. Many black jockeys are from disadvantaged backgrounds and can struggle to afford the costly training and equipment required to compete at the highest level.
Recent Success Stories
Despite the difficulties faced by black jockeys, there have been several success stories in recent years. Diane Cardoso became the first black female jockey to win a race in the UK in 2009, and she has gone on to have a successful career, winning several major races and becoming Britain’s leading female jockey in 2018.
Other successful black jockeys include Chris Catlin, who was the first black jockey to win the Derby in 1978, and Tony Hamilton, who became the first black jockey to win the Grand National in 2014.
Conclusion
The rise of black jockeys in the UK is an encouraging trend, and it is clear that there has been a significant increase in the number of black riders in recent years. However, there are still many challenges that black jockeys face, and more needs to be done to ensure that they are given the same opportunities and recognition as their white counterparts.
Key Takeaways
Black Jockeys
- The UK has a long and proud history of horse racing, with some of the greatest jockeys of all time.
- The number of black jockeys in the UK has risen from just 3 in 2010, to 40 in 2018.
- There have been several key figures in the industry who have been instrumental in the rise of black jockeys in the UK, such as Hayley Turner and Godfrey Murtagh.
- Diversity initiatives such as the British Horseracing Authority’s ‘Racing to School’ programme have had a significant impact on the number of black jockeys in the UK.
- Black jockeys still face many challenges, such as racism and a lack of financial support.
- Despite the challenges, there have been several success stories in recent years, such as Diane Cardoso, Chris Catlin, and Tony Hamilton.
Further Reading
British Horse Racing Authority
- British Horse Racing Authority website
- British Horse Racing Authority Diversity & Inclusion page
National Association of Black Jockeys
- National Association of Black Jockeys website
- National Association of Black Jockeys Our Story page