Untold Stories: Black Jockeys, The Kentucky Derby & Joey Witherspoon

Is horseracing history as whitewashed as the fences that line the tracks? Absolutely, and the untold stories of African American jockeys who once dominated the sport are a stark reminder of a forgotten legacy. While names like Isaac Murphy echo through the halls of fame, the contributions of countless others remain largely unacknowledged.

Joey Witherspoon, while not a household name like some of history's more celebrated riders, represents this largely unheralded group. His name, however, resonates deeply within certain circles, especially among those dedicated to preserving the rich history of African American jockeys and their pivotal role in shaping American horseracing. Witherspoon's career, though perhaps less meticulously documented than others, stands as a testament to the skill, dedication, and often heartbreaking realities faced by African American jockeys who poured their lives into the sport. Exploring his story offers a vital lens through which to examine the broader narrative of race, opportunity, and exclusion in American horseracing.

The story of African Americans in horseracing is a complex and often painful one. Between 1875 and 1903, Black jockeys reigned supreme. The Kentucky Derby itself, a symbol of American horseracing, saw African American jockeys ride to victory in 15 of its first 28 runnings, according to official Derby records. Isaac Murphy, a name synonymous with excellence, became the first jockey to win three Kentucky Derbys, achieving this feat in 1884, 1890, and 1891. His remarkable record of winning an astonishing 44 percent of all the races he rode remains unmatched to this day. Murphy's success paved the way for others and demonstrated the incredible talent within the Black community.

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Willie Simms further cemented this dominance in the 1890s, becoming the first and only Black jockey to achieve the remarkable feat of winning all three American Triple Crown races. His victories included the Kentucky Derby in 1896 and 1898, the Preakness in 1898, and the Belmont Stakes in 1893 and 1894 a feat that stood for decades as a testament to his skill and athleticism. These men were not just participants; they were the leading figures in the sport, earning substantial incomes, with some Black jockeys earning well over $20,000 a year, a significant sum in 1900, when the average yearly income for an American worker was far lower.

However, this era of Black dominance was tragically short-lived. By the early 1900s, a confluence of factors, including the rise of Jim Crow laws and increasing racial prejudice, led to the systematic expulsion of African American jockeys from the sport. As documented in the NBER working paper 28167, "Jim Crow in the Saddle: The Expulsion of African American Jockeys from American Racing" by Michael Leeds and Hugh Rockoff, this expulsion serves as a stark example of the pervasive racism that swept through American society during this period. White riders began employing intimidatory tactics to discourage and injure their Black counterparts. For instance, in 1900, the renowned Jimmy Winkfield suffered severe bruising, and his horse sustained cracked ribs in an incident at Harlem Race Track near Chicago, Illinois, directly attributed to the hostile actions of white riders.

Jimmy Winkfield, another Black jockey who rose to national prominence, captured the Kentucky Derby crown in both 1901 and 1902. Winkfield remains the most recent Black jockey to win the Derby and the only one to achieve this victory in the 20th century. His career exemplifies both the heights of achievement and the devastating impact of racial discrimination. After his success in America, Winkfield was forced to continue his career in Europe, where he found greater acceptance and continued to excel as a jockey. His story is a powerful reminder of the talent that was lost to American horseracing due to the pervasive racism of the time.

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The decline in the presence of Black jockeys was precipitous. After Winkfield's victory, the doors essentially slammed shut. Following 1921, nearly eighty years passed before another Black jockey, Marlon St. Julien, rode in the Kentucky Derby in 2000. This absence underscores the deep-seated prejudice and systemic barriers that prevented African Americans from participating in the sport they once dominated. The rise of the Jim Crow era in the early 1900s saw African Americans effectively banned from the sport, as noted by the Los Angeles Times. This exclusion was not simply a matter of individual prejudice but a deliberate effort to erase Black participation from horseracing.

Despite the efforts to erase their contributions, the legacy of these pioneering jockeys continues to inspire. In 2004, Winkfield was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame, joining Isaac Murphy (inducted in 1955) and Willie Simms (inducted in 1977). These posthumous honors acknowledge their significant achievements and serve as a reminder of the rich history that was nearly forgotten. Information panels dedicated to winning trainer Abraham Perry and jockey Cassius Clay Tankersley, supported by the International Museum of the Horse in 2017, further contribute to preserving and sharing this vital history.

Even today, the struggle for representation continues. In May 2021, Kendrick Carmouche participated in the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby, marking a recent milestone in the ongoing effort to diversify the sport. His presence at the Derby, after a long absence of Black jockeys, served as a powerful symbol of hope and progress. However, the fact that his participation was considered noteworthy highlights the persistent challenges and underrepresentation that remain.

Joey Witherspoons story, therefore, is part of a much larger narrative. He represents the countless African American jockeys whose names may not be etched in the record books but whose contributions and experiences are essential to understanding the full history of American horseracing. Witherspoons journey, likely marked by both triumphs and tribulations, reflects the dedication, skill, and resilience required to navigate a sport that, for so long, actively excluded Black participants. By remembering and celebrating figures like Witherspoon, we can begin to address the historical injustices and ensure that the contributions of African American jockeys are never again forgotten. Further investigation into jockeys from this era is key to gaining a better understanding of the sports complicated past and creating a more inclusive future.

It's crucial to remember significant events in the sport, such as instances where initial winners were disqualified, like Dancer's Image, and Maximum Security, acknowledging the complexities and controversies that have shaped the sport alongside its moments of glory. The record for the fastest time remains a target, standing at 1 minute 59 2/5 seconds, pushing jockeys and horses to continually strive for excellence.Episode guide for murdoch mysteries 17x07:Episode summary, trailer and screencaps;Guest stars and main cast list;Hart at the stables to see her horse, cool million.The thoroughbred is one of the few assets hart salvaged in her lawsuit with her late husband.