First female jockey to win a thoroughbred horse race in the United States, paving the way for future generations of female jockeys.
Anna Lee Aldred was a trailblazing American jockey and trick rider who shattered glass ceilings in the male-dominated world of horse racing and rodeos. She made history by becoming the first woman in the United States to receive a jockey's license, paving the way for future generations of female equestrians.
Born Anna Lee Mills on April 19, 1921, in Montrose, Colorado, she grew up surrounded by horses. Her father, Tom P. Mills, was a horse trainer and racer, and her mother, Dottie (née Marlow) Mills, raised horses alongside him. Anna Lee's two brothers went on to become rodeo champions, and her two sisters also performed in rodeos.
Anna Lee's love affair with horses began at a young age. She won her first pony race at age 6 in an amateur competition in Montrose and was participating in flat and relay races by age 12. Her talent and dedication earned her a professional license from the Agua Caliente Racetrack in Baja California, Mexico, in 1939, at just 18 years old.
Aldred's racing career spanned from 1939 to 1945, during which she won numerous races at state and county fairs. Weighing in at 100 pounds, she was a force to be reckoned with on the tracks. However, by 1945, she had grown to 5'5" and weighed 118 pounds, making it difficult for her to continue racing. She retired from horse racing, but her passion for horses didn't wane.
In 1945, Aldred opened a riding school in California and began teaching herself trick-riding skills at night in empty arenas. This marked the beginning of her five-year career as a trick rider in rodeos. Her impressive repertoire included standing atop the saddle of a horse bolting down the arena and hanging by her foot from the side of a running horse.
Aldred's groundbreaking achievements earned her a place in the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 2004. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women in the equestrian world.
Anna Lee Aldred's pioneering spirit and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the world of horse racing and rodeos. She proved that women could compete alongside men in the toughest of sports, paving the way for future generations of female jockeys and trick riders.
Her legacy extends beyond the racing tracks and rodeo arenas, serving as a beacon of inspiration for women in all fields, encouraging them to pursue their passions and challenge the status quo.
93 Years Old
Legendary jockey with an unmatched five Kentucky Derby wins, known for his aggressive riding style and fierce competitiveness.
Born in 1916
A legendary jockey with over 4,000 wins, including five Kentucky Derby victories, who later became a popular sportscaster.
82 Years Old
Australian rugby league player who played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and represented New South Wales in the State of Origin series. He's a premiership-winning player and coach.
72 Years Old
A legendary jockey with a record-breaking 8,803 wins, known for his impressive career spanning over four decades and numerous Triple Crown victories.
