You would not guess it today, but when Thoroughbred Racing was in its infancy, most great jockeys were African American. In the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, 14 of the 15 jockeys were African Americans. 15 of the first 28 Derby races were won by Black jockeys.

    Over the years, several African American jockeys in the region emerged as Derby winners: William Walker in 1877, James “Soup” Perkins in 1895, Willie Simms in 1896 and 1898, and Jimmy Winkfield in 1901 and 1902. Winkfield was the last African American to win the Kentucky Derby. And one jockey, though short in statue, stood above all others.

    Arguably, the greatest jockey in American history, Isaac “Burns” Murphy (1861-1896) was born on a horse farm to a former slave. Murphy's family lived in downtown Lexington, Kentucky on Jordan's Row. Murphy is the first jockey to win three Kentucky Derbies (1884, 1890 and 1891) and the only jockey to win the Derby, Oaks and Clark Handicap in one meeting. Murphy ultimately rode 628 champions in 1,412 races during a 15 seasons career, winning an astounding 44% of his races before retiring in 1892 to train horses. No other long-time jockey has come close to that winning percentage.

    Despite racism that would not permit him to dine with the bettors, a lot of high-rollers made money betting on his races! Consequently, even in the segregated South, Isaac Murphy was the first rider voted into the Jockey Hall of Fame.

    One exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum drives home the importance African Americans in Thoroughbred Racing.  It which features photos of African American jockeys, a history of Black jockeys in the sport, a narrated video presentation providing an overall perspective and history of African Americans in all aspects of horse breeding and racing. A centerpiece of the exhibit is special tribute to Isaac Murphy.