The 148th Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 7, when colt Rich Strike prevailed over 80-1 odds for an upset victory.
The five Black women syndicate who own Living The Dream Stables, took their horse Seven Scents on April 24, a 3-1 favorite, and outfought Oceanic, holding off a late charge from Bullseye Beauty to score a neck victory. The event featured 4-year-olds and up on Military Day, according to Keeneland.
The Owners: Black Women In Horse Racing
“We’re not only owners, we’re winners,” horse owner Dr. Tiffany Day said on Friday to local CBS affiliate WKYT. “We’re showing up at the tracks, we’re representing and we’re taking home prizes,” horse owner Dr. Tiffany Daniels said.
Keeneland is the world’s largest and most prominent Thoroughbred auction house and hosts world-class racing twice annually during its boutique spring and fall meetings, according to their website.
Along with Churchill Downs, it is not a place where Black ownership is commonplace although Black people have had a tradition of excellence in horse racing on the highest levels.
The Real Horse Racing Roots
“The first jockey to win the Kentucky Derby was an African American male. We’re in 2022 right now and we don’t see a lot of us,” horse owner Coya Robinson said to WKYT.
The inaugural year of the Kentucky Derby in 1875 saw 13 out of 15 Black jockeys competing in the sport. Black jockey Oliver Lewis won the first Derby on horse Aristides and he was trained by Ed Brown one of the most accomplished horsemen in the history of the sport.
There is currently the Ed Brown Society that explores the vast history of African-Americans in the industry and provides opportunities for underserved communities.
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