Horse racing has long been seen to be a male-dominated sport, but that hasn’t stopped some extraordinary women from making their impact.
These women have torn down barriers and helped pave the path for a more inclusive horse racing business, from owners to trainers to jockeys.
Today, the world of horse racing is changing and we can see many women participate in the sport. Of course, this trend is inspired by a few ladies that went against all odds and have proven that horse racing is a gender-equal sport.
These are five ladies who have made an impact in the world of horse racing.
5 Incredible Women Who Made Horse Racing More Inclusive
Women Who Dominate the World of Horse Racing
Sheila Rosenblum- Owner and Advocate for Women in Racing
Sheila Rosenblum is a force to be reckoned with in the horse racing world. Not only is she the owner of Lady Sheila Stable, but she’s also a vocal advocate for women in racing.
Rosenblum has worked tirelessly to promote opportunities for women in the industry, including through her creation of the Women’s Syndicate at Lady Sheila Stable.
She believes that by giving women a chance to invest in and own racehorses, she can help break down barriers and promote greater diversity in the sport.
Julie Krone – Hall of Fame Jockey and Trailblazer
Julie Krone became the first female rider to win a Triple Crown event when she rode Colonial Affair to victory in the 1993 Belmont Stakes. Even though we have yet to see among the TwinSpires Kentucky Derby contenders a female rider, it is still a mesmerizing event to conquer the Belmont Stakes.
She went on to become the all-time top female jockey in North America, with over 3,700 victories. Krone’s success in the sport paved the path for other female riders, and she continues to encourage and promote women in horse racing today.
Linda Rice – First Female Trainer to Win a Major Racing Title
Linda Rice became the first female trainer to win a major racing championship in 2009 when she won the Saratoga Race Course.
Rice has been a trendsetter in the field ever since, amassing over 1,500 wins and becoming one of the most successful trainers in the country. Her success has encouraged other women to seek professions in horse training and demonstrated that gender is not a barrier to success in horse racing.
Rosie Napravnik: Breaks Records and Stereotypes as a Jockey
Rosie Napravnik made history in 2012 by being the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks. She went on to set other milestones, such as being the first female jockey to win the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
Napravnik’s achievement has cracked industry gender norms and paved the road for other female jockeys to thrive.
Donna Brothers: Retired Jockey and Voice for Jockeys’ Safety and Welfare
Donna Brothers had a tremendous racing career, winning over 1,000 races. Her work as a champion for jockey safety and welfare, however, has genuinely made a difference.
Brothers is now an NBC Sports analyst and reporter, where she utilizes her position to raise awareness about the dangers and hardships that jockeys endure.
Her lobbying has aided in the improvement of safety standards and jockey support in the business.
Final Words
After seeing the achievements of all of these ladies, it is safe to say that horse racing has changed and it is not a male-dominated sport anymore. Nowadays, we can see women’s involvement in sport from every angle.
There are many top women jockeys, trainers, and owners, which is always great for the sport.
These are just a handful of the outstanding ladies who have made an impact in horse racing. Their devotion, hard work, and enthusiasm for the sport have helped to break down boundaries and build a more inclusive profession.
With their example and the continuous efforts of others, we may look forward to a future in which gender is no longer a barrier to success in horse racing.
