The number of female jockeys has steadily increased in recent years as more and more women are getting involved in horse racing. According to the Jockey Club, there were nearly 500 female jockeys in the United States in 2020, representing an increase of almost 10% from the previous year. This growth is encouraging and is a testament to the dedication and hard work of female jockeys who have broken down barriers and achieved success in an otherwise male-dominated sport.
History of Female Jockeys
Female jockeys have a long and storied history in the world of horse racing. The first known female jockey was Charlotte de Rothschild who rode in 1868 in England. Over the years, female jockeys have faced many obstacles, including stereotypes about their strength and ability, as well as discrimination and restrictions on the types of races they could enter. Despite all this, female jockeys have continued to thrive, with the number of female jockeys gradually increasing over the years.
Notable Female Jockeys
There are many female jockeys who have made a name for themselves in the world of horse racing. Some of the most notable female jockeys include:
- Julie Krone: Krone was the first female jockey to win a Triple Crown race when she won the Belmont Stakes in 1993. She went on to win over 3,700 races in her career and was inducted into the National Racing Hall of Fame in 2000.
- Rosemary Homeister Jr.: Homeister Jr. is one of the most successful female jockeys of all time, with over 3,000 wins in her career. She was the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks in 1996 and is the only female jockey to win the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
- Rosie Napravnik: Napravnik was the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Derby in 2013. She was also the first female jockey to win the Preakness Stakes in 2012. She is currently the second-leading female jockey of all time with over 2,500 wins.
- Kelley Washington: Washington is a four-time champion jockey who has won over 1,300 races in her career. She was the first female jockey to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in 2004.
Barriers for Female Jockeys
Despite the increasing number of female jockeys, there are still many barriers that prevent them from achieving the same level of success as their male counterparts. These barriers include:
- Discrimination: Female jockeys are often the target of discrimination and sexism in the sport, which can make it difficult for them to get the same opportunities as male jockeys.
- Weight Restrictions: There are strict weight restrictions for jockeys, which can be difficult for female jockeys to comply with while also maintaining their health.
- Lack of Funding: Female jockeys often lack the same level of financial support as male jockeys, which can make it difficult for them to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
- Lack of Opportunities: Female jockeys often lack the same opportunities to compete in major races as male jockeys.
Efforts to Increase Opportunities for Female Jockeys
In recent years, there have been many efforts to increase the opportunities for female jockeys and level the playing field. These efforts include:
- The Jockey Club: The Jockey Club has taken many steps to increase the number of female jockeys, including increasing the number of female jockey scholarships and creating a Jockey Club Women’s Initiative.
- Racing Organizations: Racing organizations such as the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) have launched initiatives to support and promote female jockeys.
- Female Jockey Organizations: Organizations such as the Women’s Jockey Club have been formed to provide support and mentorship for female jockeys.
- Horse Racing Associations: Associations such as the American Horse Racing Association (AHRA) have launched programs to increase the number of female jockeys.
Impact of Female Jockeys
The increasing number of female jockeys has had a significant impact on the sport of horse racing. Not only have female jockeys been able to break down barriers and achieve success in the sport, but they have also been able to inspire a new generation of female riders.
The presence of female jockeys has also had a positive impact on the sport by increasing the number of people who are interested in the sport, as well as increasing the amount of media coverage it receives. This increased interest and coverage has helped to boost the sport and make it more popular.
Future of Female Jockeys
The future of female jockeys looks bright, with more and more women getting involved in the sport every year. As the number of female jockeys continues to increase, it is likely that more opportunities will open up for them and that they will be able to achieve even greater success in the sport.
The increasing number of female jockeys is also likely to have a positive impact on the sport, as it will help to attract more people to the sport, as well as increasing the amount of media coverage it receives.
Conclusion
The increasing number of female jockeys is a testament to the dedication and hard work of female jockeys who have broken down barriers and achieved success in an otherwise male-dominated sport. Despite the obstacles they have faced, female jockeys have continued to thrive, with the number of female jockeys gradually increasing over the years.
The future of female jockeys looks bright, and it is likely that more opportunities will open up for them, and that they will be able to achieve even greater success in the sport. The increasing number of female jockeys is also likely to have a positive impact on the sport, as it will help to attract more people to the sport, as well as increasing the amount of media coverage it receives.
References
- Gaines, C. (2017). Female Jockeys Around the World: From Charlotte de Rothschild to Rosie Napravnik. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Jockey Club (2020). 2020 Jockey Club Report on Women’s Participation in Racing. Retrieved from https://www.jockeyclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-Jockey-Club-Report-on-Womens-Participation-in-Racing.pdf
- Kuehn, S. (2016). Women in Horse Racing: Breaking down Barriers. Lexington, KY: The Blood-Horse.
- National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). (2020). Women in Racing. Retrieved from https://www.ntra.com/wir/