The Kentucky Derby Museum will open the new “Right to Ride” exhibit Friday, Oct. 16. The exhibit features the history-making first female jockeys in the sport, with a spotlight on the stories of women facing gender discrimination as they fought to ride. Specifically highlighted are women riders who broke down the barriers, including Diane Crump, who was the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby 50 years ago. Over 20 hours of oral history video interviews with female riders who had an impact on American racing form the centerpiece of the exhibit, along with artifacts such as Diane Crump's riding boots, Patti “P.J.” Cooksey's gear from the 1984 Kentucky Derby, and Rosie Napravnik's 2012 and 2014 winning Kentucky Oaks trophies.
“This is a ground-breaking exhibit for the Kentucky Derby Museum with regards to the scope and stylized experience of feeling as if you are stepping back in time to relive these moments,” said Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO Patrick Armstrong. “These female jockeys fought so hard to not only raise the glass ceiling in their sport but to break through it. We are proud to tell their stories.”
The “Right to Ride” exhibit runs through August 2021. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Oct. 16 at 12 p.m. ET in front of the exhibit, with legendary female jockeys on hand to help celebrate. For more information, visit DerbyMuseum.org.
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