Striving to ride – Storm Lake Times Pilot
Trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to lead a winning horse to victory in the 152-year history of the Kentucky Derby. Her horse, Golden Tempo, secured the win after surging from last place in the final stretch. DeVaux’s achievement marks a milestone in a sport where, according to 2017 Thoroughbred Racing Commentary data, women accounted for only 25 of the world’s top 500 trainers.
Following the Kentucky Derby success, Golden Tempo also won the Belmont Stakes on June 6. Ridden by jockey José Ortiz, the horse won that race by one and one-quarter lengths after another late-race charge.
Barriers for female jockeys in professional racing
Despite the success of female trainers, the presence of female jockeys at the sport’s highest levels remains limited. Data indicates that male jockeys currently outnumber females by a ratio of 50 to 1 in top-tier racing. No female jockey participated in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, or Belmont Stakes this year.
Historical resistance to female riders was significant. Until 1986, racing boards were not required to issue licenses to women, and some early riders faced boycotts. Jockey B.J. Rubin was once barred from track barns and told she was “bad luck,” while Rosie Napravnik, who rode in the Derby between 2011 and 2014, utilized the name A.R. Napravnik to obscure her gender when she began her career.
Did You Know?
Although women outnumber men at least three to one in recreational horse riding, they remain significantly underrepresented in professional racing, where male jockeys continue to dominate the field.
The physical demands of professional jockeys
Weight requirements for Triple Crown jockeys are capped at 118 pounds. While men often have higher muscle mass, which can make hitting this weight target difficult, proponents of female jockeys argue that women may possess a competitive advantage in “finesse” and connection with the horse. According to a 2017 study published in Socius, the extreme measures male jockeys sometimes take to cut weight—including dehydration and purging—can pose long-term health risks.
Expert Insight:
The persistent gender gap in professional racing suggests that the sport’s structure, rather than physical capability, remains the primary hurdle for women. As the industry faces scrutiny over its historical “old boys’ club” dynamics, the success of trainers like Cherie DeVaux may signal a shift in how the racing establishment evaluates talent, though the path for female jockeys to compete on a level playing field remains steep.
Future outlook for women in racing
The future of gender parity in horse racing remains uncertain. While the legal requirement to grant licenses to women exists, the cultural barriers within the racing establishment are documented as deep-seated. A possible next step for the sport could involve increased participation from female jockeys if organizations move to address the systemic challenges identified by past riders like Rosie Napravnik. If the trend of female trainers achieving high-profile wins continues, it may force a reassessment of the current 50-to-1 ratio of male-to-female jockeys at the sport’s highest levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby?
Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby in the race’s 152-year history.
Why is there a lack of female jockeys in the Triple Crown?
According to reports, the sport has historically been dominated by a male-centric establishment, with female jockeys facing exclusion and professional obstacles. Additionally, male jockeys currently outnumber females by 50 to 1 at top levels of racing.
What are the weight requirements for Triple Crown jockeys?
Jockeys competing in the Triple Crown must weigh no more than 118 pounds.
Will the racing industry eventually reach a point where gender is no longer a factor in a jockey’s ability to secure a mount at the Triple Crown?