Abe Hawkins facts for kids

Abe Hawkins was a very famous jockey in the 1800s. He was also known by nicknames like Uncle Able Hawkins, The Black Prince, and The Dark Sage of Louisiana. Abe was known for his amazing skills in horse racing. He rode many horses to victory during his career.

Who Was Abe Hawkins?

Abe Hawkins lived on the Ashland Plantation, a large sugar farm in Darrow, Louisiana. At that time, he was an enslaved person. The plantation was owned by a businessman named Duncan F. Kenner. Kenner also owned racehorses and had a special track right on his plantation.

Becoming a Jockey

In 1854, Duncan Kenner bought Abe Hawkins. Abe was small and light, which made him perfect for riding horses in races. He became a jockey for Kenner and rode for him for ten years.

A Star Jockey

Abe Hawkins became very well-known for his racing talent. He rode about 25 horses to victory during his career. People across the country recognized his skills.

National Fame

By 1865, Abe was considered one of the most famous athletes in the country. He was second only to another white jockey named Gilbert Watson Partrick, also known as Gilpatrick. Abe even beat Gilpatrick in a special race called a match race. About 25,000 people watched this exciting race in New York City.

Big Wins in 1866

Abe Hawkins continued to achieve great things. In 1864, he became a free man. After that, he rode for another horse owner named Robert A. Alexander. In 1866, Abe won two very important races:

• The Travers Stakes: He rode a horse named Merrill. The horse's trainer was Ansel Williamson, who was also a former enslaved person.
• The first-ever Jerome Stakes: He rode a horse named Watson. The trainer for this horse was Jacob Pincus.

Later Life

After his successful racing career, Abe Hawkins returned to Ashland Plantation in 1866. He lived there until he passed away on May 4, 1867. His legacy as a talented jockey is remembered in horse racing history.

See Also

• African-American jockeys
• Travers Stakes
• Jerome Stakes