Honoring the Legacy: Black Jockeys Who Defined the Kentucky Derby
Black Jockeys in the KY Derby. (Photo: Yahoo News)
The Kentucky Derby, America’s most iconic horse race, has a history deeply intertwined with extraordinary contributions from Black jockeys—whose legacy dominated the early years of this prestigious event before being nearly erased by systemic racism and segregation.
A Dominant Beginning
- At the inaugural Derby on May 17, 1875, a staggering 13 of the 15 jockeys were Black, and Oliver Lewis rode Aristides to victory, setting a record time.
- Between 1875 and 1902, Black riders secured 15 of the first 28 Derby wins, with Oliver Lewis and many others showcasing their undeniable talent and courage.
Bright Stars in the Saddle
- Oliver Lewis, at just 19 years old, became the first Derby champion. He maintained his lead despite expectations, showcasing the strategic skill that defined early Black jockeys.
- Isaac Burns Murphy, born into slavery in 1861, won three Kentucky Derbies (1884, 1890, 1891)—a feat unmatched for decades—and boasted an astonishing 44% win rate.
- James “Soup” Perkins, the youngest Derby champion (1895), led Halma to win and became the winningest jockey in America that year.
- A final flourish came from Jimmy Winkfield, who won back-to-back Derbies in 1901 and 1902 and then forged a successful international career in Europe.
Systematic Erasure
Despite their dominance, the rise of Jim Crow laws and aggressive exclusion by white jockeys forced many Black riders out of the sport by the early 20th century. Violence, sabotage, and legalized discrimination eliminated their presence on the track—even those like Winkfield who faced hostility in America but thrived abroad.
Remembering Their Impact
The Kentucky Derby Museum acknowledges this history through its Black Heritage in Racing exhibit, which celebrates Black jockeys and horsemen from Thoroughbred racing’s beginnings.
Today, their contributions are being reclaimed:
- Historical sites like Oliver Lewis Way in Lexington
- Awards honoring Isaac Murphy
- Cultural revitalization through venues like Black Jockeys Lounge in Louisville, keeping the legacy alive for future generations
What It Means Now
The early dominance of Black jockeys reflects a pivotal era when African Americans were central to American horse racing. Their sudden disappearance—a result of racial exclusion—reveals how segregation disrupted not only lives, but entire cultural traditions.
Honoring figures like Lewis, Murphy, Perkins, and Winkfield is essential. It reminds us of a time when Black athletes led one of America’s greatest sporting spectacles—and challenges us to continue ensuring their stories are told, remembered, and celebrated.
For more about the enduring heritage of Black jockeys at the Kentucky Derby, visit the Black Heritage in Racing exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum or explore resources from HISTORY, Ebony, and local Louisville historians. Source:derbymuseum.org+1history.com+1
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