Watch above: A Saskatoon woman, who blazed a trail on the international horse racing scene, is being honoured at the races on the weekend. Jacqueline Wilson introduces us to Joan Phipps who’s proven to be a mentor to other young women aspiring to become jockeys.
SASKATOON – Forty years ago, Saskatoon’s own Joan Phipps was one of the first women out of the gates and she has never looked back. It was her tenacious attitude and love of horses that drove here to become one the first and best female jockeys in horse racing history.
“Riding horses I was very young, about seven or eight years old, when I came down to the stables. I totally fell in love, it was love at first sight, they are my first love,” said Phipps, a former world champion jockey.
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Although Phipps, 61, didn’t own a horse growing up, she was actively involved at the barn helping groom and clean the stalls. Eventually she started competing in the rodeo – barrel racing and goat tying.
A close friend told her she could make money at the race track and had Phipps jump on a retired thoroughbred for the first time.
“She took me out to a ditch and she had me gallop the horse up and down and that’s when I knew that this was something I wanted to do,” said Phipps.
Her first time riding in an all men’s race was in New Zealand in 1977 and that didn’t sit well with some of the other jockeys.
“They did not want women there so there was a lot of conflict. None of the male jockeys even talked to me,” said Phipps.
This negativity didn’t slow her down one bit. She won the race making her the first female jockey in history to do so.
“Well, I don’t necessary think there is a difference between men and women on horses. It is about your character and how you tune into a horse, whether you’re male or female,” said Phipps.
Isabelle Wenc, the only female jockey at Marquis Downs, says thanks to Phipps, women are starting to make a name for themselves.
“If she hadn’t done what she did it probably would have been a lot harder for girls to be doing what they’re doing now. She kind of paved the way for all of the women in the industry,” said Wenc.
Phipps will be honored at the Marquis Downs on Saturday with a race in her name, memorabilia on display and an opportunity to meet her.
A film and book are currently being made about Phipps’ historical career. No word yet on when they’ll be out.
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