Great Women in the Sport of Kings - America's Top Women Jockeys Tell Their Stories
by Scooter Toby Davidson and Valerie Anthony, editors

Publisher:  Syracuse University Press
ISBN:  081560565X

This interesting little book documents the lives of the current top female jockeys, from childhood to how they became interested in horseracing today. Included are such well-known ladies as Julie Krone, Donna Barton, Rosemary Homeister Jr., and Diane Nelson. An excellent historical introduction by women's' sport historian Mary Jo Festle details the difficult start women had when they first started riding-the climate for women jockeys has definitely improved in the 30 years since they were first allowed to ride, yet it remains difficult for them to get the "big horses," the "big races."

An entire chapter is dedicated to each lady, including a biographical sketch followed by their life story in their own words. This along with lots of pictures from childhood with their first horse to current racing photos give the book a really personal feel.

Although the editors are journalists who really don't have much of a connection to the racing industry, they still manage to give the subject an excellent treatment and obviously have a great admiration for these women who have persevered in a male dominated sport. Although the climate for women jockeys has defintely improved in the 30 years since they were first allowed to ride, it is still more difficult for them to get the big horses or rides in the big races.

Any racing fan should find this book very interesting and will enjoy the inside look into the lives of these ladies of the turf. While the stories these ladies tell are different, all share the common themes of their love of horses and determination to succeed in their chosen career.

Cindy Pierson, your Guide for Horse Racing