Overview

Although it has only been thirty years since the first female jockey rode onto the then male only turf of thoroughbred horse racing, they have since made their mark on the racetrack and in the winner's circle. Great Women in the Sport of Kings, the first book to consider the phenomenon of female jockeys, takes an indepth look at their lives. Through the oral histories of ten top female jockeys, the authors offer intimate portraits of how they overcame personal and professional obstacles to rise to the top of thoroughbred horse racing. In her Introduction, women's sports historian Mary Jo Festle explores the larger issues of women in sport, sexism in horse racing, the struggles female jockeys face, and the significance of their success. The jockey's include: Diane Nelson, Julie Krone, Paula Keim-Bruno, Jill Jellison, Gwen Jackson, Darci Rice, Rosemary Homiester, Jr., Donna Barton, Kristi Chapman, and Dodi Duys.

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9780815605652

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Women were not allowed to be jockeys in horse races until 1969. In the 30 years since, obstacles have fallen until, today, female jockeys are usually taken for granted at tracks. This oral history lets ten jockeys talk about their career paths, their daily lives in horse racing, and their advice for budding female jockeys. Several common traits emerge: an interest in their own physical fitness, a love for animals, and an ability to communicate (with people as well as with horses, since jockeys have to hustle to get riding jobs). Most also say their social lives revolve around the track. But ten individual personalities shine through, from backgrounds both privileged and poor. Great photos enhance a lively, down-to-earth book that provides a more well-rounded look at horse racing than Julie Krone's Riding for My Life. A glossary and appendix of America's pioneer female jockeys are included.-- Library Journal

"Women were not allowed to be jockeys in horse races until 1969. In the 30 years since, obstacles have fallen until, today, female jockeys are usually ""taken for granted at tracks."" This oral history lets ten jockeys talk about their career paths, their daily lives in horse racing, and their advice for budding female jockeys. Several common traits emerge: an interest in their own physical fitness, a love for animals, and an ability to communicate (with people as well as with horses, since jockeys have to hustle to get riding jobs). Most also say their social lives revolve around the track. But ten individual personalities shine through, from backgrounds both privileged and poor. Great photos enhance a lively, down-to-earth book that provides a more well-rounded look at horse racing than Julie Krone's Riding for My Life. A glossary and appendix of America's pioneer female jockeys are included.-- ""Library Journal"""

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Scooter Toby Davidson has spent more than twenty years in the field of design and promotion. Valerie Anthony promotes new artists and writers.

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