The Kentucky Derby’s early history is intertwined with the story of African American jockeys. At the inaugural race in 1875, a Black jockey named Oliver Lewis rode Aristides to victory. This marked the beginning of a period where African American horsemen dominated American horse racing. However, this dominance was tragically short-lived due to the rise of Jim Crow laws and racial tensions.
Need to Know:
- Early Dominance: In the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, 13 of the 15 jockeys were Black, and African American riders won 15 of the first 28 Derbies.
- Impact of Slavery: Before the Civil War, enslaved laborers cared for horses on plantations, leading to their natural involvement in horse racing.
- Post-Civil War Success: Black jockeys continued their success in the growing sport of thoroughbred racing, even in northern states.
- Key Figures:
- Oliver Lewis: Won the first Kentucky Derby in 1875 on Aristides.
- Isaac Murphy: First jockey to win three Kentucky Derbies and was the highest-paid athlete of his time. Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
- Willie Simms: Popularized the short-stirrup riding style and was the only African American to win all three Triple Crown races.
- Dudley Allen: Was a leading trainer at Churchill Downs and the only African American to own a Kentucky Derby-winning horse, Kingman, in 1891.
- Edward Dudley Brown: Trained three Derby winners.
- Jimmy Winkfield: Won the Derby in 1901 and 1902; the last African American to win the Kentucky Derby during this period.
- William “Billy” Walker: Won the Derby in 1877 and was a respected advisor in the equine industry.
- Exclusion Begins: The rise of Jim Crow segregation laws and increasing violence from white jockeys led to the exclusion of African American riders.
- Jim Crow Laws: These laws facilitated the removal of Black jockeys as betting became prominent, and white jockeys sought a larger share of the income.
- Violence and Intimidation: Black jockeys faced violence, including being whipped and forced into track rails.
- Research Findings: Michael Leeds and Hugh Rockoff’s research highlights that the determination of white jockeys to establish a color line was the main driver of exclusion.
- Last Win: Jimmy Winkfield’s 1902 victory was the last Triple Crown win for an African American jockey for nearly a century.
Key Takeaways:
- Significant Contribution: African American jockeys played a pivotal role in the early history of the Kentucky Derby, showcasing exceptional skill and dominance.
- Systematic Exclusion: The exclusion of Black jockeys was not a natural occurrence but resulted from deliberate actions driven by racism, Jim Crow laws, and competition from white jockeys.
- Lost Legacy: Many talented African American jockeys and trainers have been historically under-recognized for their contributions to horse racing.
- Impact of Racism: The story highlights how racism and segregation impacted even the world of sports, denying opportunities to skilled individuals.
- Ongoing Importance: Recognizing and understanding this history is vital for acknowledging past injustices and promoting inclusivity in sports today.
The history of African American jockeys in the Kentucky Derby is a compelling narrative of talent, success, and eventual exclusion due to racial discrimination. Their early dominance and subsequent erasure from the sport serve as a reminder of the broader impact of racism in American history. Recognizing their contributions is essential to understanding the full story of the Kentucky Derby and American horse racing.
