From Slavery to the Saddle

Black jockeys have long been an important element of American thoroughbred racing, notably in the late nineteenth century, when they made up a sizable proportion of riders. Notable names include Isaac Murphy, who won the Kentucky Derby three times, and Jimmy Winkfield, the last Black jockey to win the race in 1901 and 1902. However, by the early twentieth century, systematic racism and discrimination had resulted in a significant reduction in their involvement in the sport, leading to a near disappearance of Black jockeys from major races and a lack of representation in the industry. Recently, there has been a push to acknowledge and appreciate their contributions to horse racing history, including initiatives to highlight their achievements in media, educational programs, and commemorative events.