Who Are The Best Female Jockeys Of All Time?
Horse racing has often been considered a male-dominated sport, but over the years, numerous female jockeys have shattered barriers, set records, and proven that talent knows no gender.
Whether it be record-breaking victories or historic firsts, these trailblazers have paved the way for future generations of women in horse racing.
Here, we take a look at some of the best female jockeys of all time and the lasting impact they have had on the sport.
Julie Krone (USA)
Julie Krone is widely regarded as one of the greatest female jockeys in history. Born in Michigan in 1963, she made her professional debut in 1981 and quickly rose to prominence. Her most notable achievement came in 1993 when she became the first female jockey to win a Triple Crown race, riding Colonial Affair to victory in the Belmont Stakes. This groundbreaking triumph secured her place in racing history.
Throughout her time in the saddle, Krone amassed over 3,700 wins and was the first female jockey inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2000. Her fearless riding style and determination helped break down gender barriers, proving that women could compete at the highest levels of horse racing.
Hayley Turner (UK)
Hayley Turner is one of the most accomplished female jockeys in British horse racing. She made headlines in 2008 when she became the first female jockey in Britain to ride 100 winners in a calendar year. Her success continued in 2011 when she became the first woman in 32 years to win a Group 1 race in the UK, triumphing in the July Cup aboard Dream Ahead.
Turner’s influence on British racing has been significant, inspiring more women to pursue careers as jockeys. Despite facing scepticism early in her career, she has remained a consistent competitor, proving that women can succeed at the highest level in the sport.
Rachael Blackmore (Ireland)
Few jockeys have had a more transformative impact on the sport than Rachael Blackmore. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National, riding Minella Times to victory. The same year, she was crowned the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, securing her place as one of the top riders in jump racing.
Blackmore’s success has been particularly significant in a sport where jump racing is often considered even more challenging and dangerous than flat racing. Her achievements have not only broken barriers but also changed perceptions, proving that female jockeys can dominate in one of the toughest disciplines in horse racing.
Rosie Napravnik (USA)
Rosie Napravnik was one of the leading jockeys in the United States before her retirement in 2014. She became the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks twice, with victories in 2012 and 2014. Napravnik also made history by becoming the first woman to finish in the top five in the Kentucky Derby.
Despite stepping away from the sport to focus on her family, the former American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey’s impact within the industry remains strong. Similarly to Julie Krone, she proved that female jockeys could compete at the highest levels and inspired many young women to pursue careers in the American horse racing scene and across the globe.
Michelle Payne (Australia)
Michelle Payne became a household name in 2015 when she won the Melbourne Cup aboard Prince of Penzance, making her the first female jockey to win Australia’s most prestigious race. Her victory was made even more remarkable by the fact that she achieved it despite facing significant adversity, including serious injuries and gender discrimination within the sport.
Payne’s win was a defining moment in Australian racing, and she has since become a vocal advocate for gender equality in horse racing, using her platform to encourage greater opportunities for women in the industry.
Chantal Sutherland (Canada)
Chantal Sutherland has had a distinguished career in both Canada and the United States. She was the first woman to ride in the prestigious Dubai World Cup and has achieved multiple graded stakes victories. Known for her skill and competitive spirit, Sutherland has carved out a successful career in an industry that has often overlooked female talent.
Beyond her riding career, Sutherland has also been a model and television personality, helping to raise the profile of female jockeys in mainstream media. Her influence extends beyond the track, inspiring more women to consider careers in horse racing.
The Future of Female Jockeys
While these legendary jockeys have made history, the future of women in horse racing looks brighter than ever. More female jockeys are emerging on the international stage, proving that the gender gap in the sport is steadily closing. With increased opportunities and recognition, it is only a matter of time before we see even more women competing – and winning – at the highest levels, bringing hope for a more inclusive and diverse future in horse racing.
For those looking to explore the betting side of horse racing, understanding strategies like value betting can be crucial in identifying smart wagers. With female jockeys consistently proving their ability to win big races, savvy bettors should not overlook their performances.
Final Thoughts
The best female jockeys of all time have excelled in their sport, broken down barriers, and paved the way for future generations. From Julie Krone’s historic Belmont Stakes victory to Rachael Blackmore’s Grand National triumph, these trailblazing women have defied the odds, proving that talent and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Their achievements on flat and jump racing’s biggest stages have earned them the utmost respect and have cemented their place among the sport’s elite.