The first-ever biography of trailblazing horse racer Lillian Jenkinson Holder, who broke the unwritten rule that women could not be jockeys. More than four decades before women were allowed to ride as licensed jockeys at recognized, pari-mutuel racetracks, a fearless farm girl turned race rider out of Nebraska was beginning her 47-year jockey career at venues beyond the reach of big-time track rules. Her name was Lillian Jenkinson Holder. In Jockey Queen: Lillian Jenkinson Holder, Horse Racing's Fearless Lady, Roger Peach tells the remarkable journey of a woman who never gave up on her dream of racing, despite the obstacles thrown in her path. Kept from riding in major races simply because she was a woman, Jenkinson Holder thrived in the gritty world of no-holds-barred "bush track" racing, ultimately competing in an estimated 10,000 races over almost five decades. Featuring exclusive interviews with Jenkinson Holder's surviving relatives and with jockeys who rode against her, as well as behind-the-scenes photos from the family's collection, Jockey Queen is a fascinating glimpse into the cutthroat world of horse racing and the daring woman who defied all expectations.
Roger Peach has worked as a newspaper reporter and feature writer for Times-Commoner (Salem, Illinois), magazine managing editor for Jersey Journal, publisher for Downstate Farmer, and public relations senior writer and account executive with St. Louis-based Drone and Mueller. He is the author of Swamper Tales. Roger splits time between homes in Columbia, Illinois, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Preface Acknowledgments Chronology 1Ride a Dead Horse 2Queen Finds Her Throne 3Birth of a Reputation 4Bullring 5Loup View Stock Farm 6Lady Lillian 7Keen Boy 8Milk Duds 9All for One, One for All 10Looking behind the Oz Curtain 11Alpha Women Co-op 12Savior Beans 13Jay Yarberry 14Just Beans' Last Race 15Death's Trifecta 16Chick Catches Lillian's Eye 17Handled with Care 18Reluctant Mentor 19May 1969 20Ruins 21Jockey Author's Note Appendices ALetter from Kane Brothers to W.J. about Keen Boy (January 30, 1929) BLetter from Lizzie to W.J. and Lillian (July 23, 1929) CLetter from Lillian to Louise (March 3, 1939) DIllinois House Resolution No. 205 (May 21, 1969) EThe Rick Talley Proposal FJust Beans' Photo-Archived Races (1942-1947) Index About the Author
The amount of research which has gone into the writing of Jockey Queen is breathtaking. Through his account of the career of Lillian Jenkinson Holder, Roger Peach takes the reader on a racing journey marked not by million-dollar purses and glamour venues but by Ferris wheels and half-mile bullrings. By documenting the barriers in the Thoroughbred industry which prevented Lillian from becoming a rider at the parimutuel level, Peach reveals how grassroots racing became the backdrop for the grit and determination which carried her to thousands of victories. No one has told Lillian's story until now, and few books have ever recognized the contribution of the American fair circuit to racing's history. Peach is owed a debt of gratitude on both counts.--Kurt Becker, track announcer, Keeneland Race Course Jockey Queen tells the story of Lillian Jenkinson Holder, a tireless champion of women's rights and opportunities. Her fearless leadership paved the way for other women to follow her and know everything is possible. I'm grateful to her and a fan!--Nancy Lieberman, two-time Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, two-time Olympian, and founder, Nancy Lieberman Charities Jockey Queen is an absolute must read. From the time I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. The story of Lillian's fight to ride is gripping whether you're a fan of horse racing or not. She deserves a hero's place in American racing.--Jon Court, jockey with more than 4,200 wins and recipient of the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award In Jockey Queen: Lillian Jenkinson Holder, Horse Racing's Fearless Lady, Roger Peach's vivid writing takes you into every facet of the complicated world of a woman decades ahead of her time. He makes you feel the adrenaline pumping sensation of a 1,000-pound horse hurtling down the backstretch. You can smell the musty barns that jockeys and trainers called home during the county fair racing season. And, he opens the door to family drama and the frustration of being cast as an outsider because of your gender. The read is as gripping as Jenkinson's grasp on the reins.--Les Winkeler, former sports editor and outdoors writer for the Southern Illinoisan You do not have to be a die-hard horse racing fan to love the pure grit of jockey Lillian Jenkinson. She is one tough cookie. Author Roger Peach paints a realistic portrayal of this "King"-size jockey. Peach sets you right in the saddle for a great literary ride with Lillian Jenkinson and her family in their hard-fought wins and losses. Jockey Queen is a must read.--Richard J. Maturi, author of Triple Crown Winner: The Earl Sande Saga
