Sharing Their Stories: Ten Books That Honor Great African Americans in Horse Racing

Horse racing, born from a simple contest of speed, has evolved into a complex industry mirroring the societal forces at play throughout its history. The sport’s narrative is interwoven with stories of exceptional horses and the people who shaped their legacies, but for much of the 20th century, a crucial chapter of that story—the contributions of African Americans—was systematically obscured.

A Legacy Lost and Now Rediscovered

For decades, African Americans dominated all aspects of horse racing, achieving remarkable success as jockeys, trainers and horsemen. However, as systemic discrimination took hold, they were marginalized, their achievements minimized and often erased from the historical record. A growing body of literature is now working to restore their rightful place in the sport’s history, bringing figures like Isaac Murphy and Jimmy Winkfield back into the spotlight.

Did You Know? In the inaugural Kentucky Derby, 13 of the 15 riders were African American.

Illuminating Individual Stories

Several new books offer detailed accounts of these overlooked pioneers. Joe Drape’s “Black Maestro” chronicles the life of Jimmy Winkfield, from his Kentucky roots to becoming a two-time Kentucky Derby winner in 1901 and 1902. Forced to leave the United States due to racial prejudice, Winkfield continued his career in Europe, demonstrating remarkable resilience while navigating war, revolution, and personal hardship.

Mark Shrager’s “The First Kentucky Derby” delves into the context of that landmark race, revealing the significant presence of African-American jockeys and the efforts of one owner to manipulate the outcome. Ed Hotaling’s “The Great Black Jockeys” provides a broader overview of the contributions of African-American riders, trainers, and horsemen, highlighting their successes and the discrimination they faced. Katherine C. Mooney’s biography, “Isaac Murphy: the Rise and Fall of a Black Jockey,” details the life of a preeminent jockey who secured three Kentucky Derby victories and achieved a 44% career win rate.

Reaching New Generations

The effort to reclaim this history extends to younger audiences. “The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby,” by Crystal Hubbard and Robert McGuire, tells the inspiring story of Jimmy Winkfield for children. Similarly, “Once Upon a Horse: The Jockey and Her Horse,” by Sarah Maslin Nir and Raymond White, shares the story of Cheryl White, the first Black female jockey in the United States.

Expert Insight: The rediscovery of these stories isn’t simply about correcting historical inaccuracies; it’s about acknowledging the full scope of talent and dedication that shaped American horse racing and understanding how systemic racism impacted opportunities for generations of athletes.

Further exploration of this history can be found in Pellom McDaniels III’s “The Prince of Jockeys,” a detailed biography of Isaac Murphy, and Katherine C. Mooney’s “Race Horse Men,” which examines the deep connections between horse racing, slavery, and the struggle for freedom. Vicky Moon’s “Sylvia Rideoutt Bishop Had a Way with Horses” chronicles the life of the first African-American woman licensed as a racehorse trainer, and Ed Hotaling’s “Wink: The Incredible Life and Epic Journey of Jimmy Winkfield” provides another in-depth look at the famed jockey’s career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role did African Americans play in the early days of horse racing?

African Americans dominated horse racing in the years immediately following the Civil War, with 13 of the 15 riders in the first Kentucky Derby being Black. They were prominent as jockeys, trainers, and horsemen.

Why were African Americans pushed out of horse racing?

Systemic discrimination in the early 20th century led to the marginalization of African-American jockeys and trainers, effectively excluding them from the sport.

What is being done to revive these stories?

A growing number of books are being published that focus on the lives and achievements of African-American jockeys and trainers, aiming to restore their rightful place in horse racing history.

As awareness of this previously obscured history grows, it could lead to increased efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport, potentially inspiring a new generation of riders and trainers from all backgrounds. It is also possible that further research will uncover even more untold stories of African Americans who contributed to the rich legacy of horse racing.