Destined For The Saddle From Childhood
Cheryl White’s passion for horses began early, growing up on a horse farm in Ohio. With both parents involved in racing and breeding, her childhood revolved around the track. By age 5, she was guiding her first pony. By 17, she had etched her name in history books.
On June 15, 1971, White became the nation’s first licensed Black female jockey. Just months later, she piloted her father’s horse to a barrier-breaking win at Waterford Park – the first by an African-American woman in thoroughbred racing.
Blazing Trails With Fearless Determination
Weighing barely 100 pounds but boasting limitless grit, White quickly stacked up accomplishments in the male-dominated world of horse racing in the 1970s.
“She was never intimidated,” recalled brother Raymond White Jr. Indeed, White rode the most challenging horses without hesitation, winning race after race through talent and work ethic alone.
Her 750 career victories included many firsts – the first woman to win 5 races in one day and the first to notch wins in two different states on the same day.
Reviving A Pioneer’s Legacy
Though a trailblazer in her era, White shunned attention and quietly retired in 1993 after two decades dominating tracks across the country. She passed away in 2019 at age 65.
Now, White’s story has galloped back into the spotlight through a new book – “The Jockey and Her Horse” – co-authored by New York Times reporter Sarah Maslin Nir and Raymond White Jr. By introducing White’s barrier-breaking journey to today’s youth, the authors hope to showcase what’s possible for young girls with big dreams.
The book has already sparked excitement and inspiration in students, bringing long-overdue recognition to a fearless pioneer who let nothing stand between her and the winner’s circle.
