Jimmy Winkfield facts for kids

James Winkfield (born around April 12, 1880–1882 – died March 23, 1974) was a famous Thoroughbred jockey and horse trainer. He came from Kentucky, USA. He is best known as the last African American jockey to win the Kentucky Derby in 1902.

Jimmy Winkfield's Early Career

Jimmy Winkfield was born in Chilesburg, Kentucky. He started his career as a jockey in 1898 when he was about sixteen years old. After his first race, he faced a four-year break. This was due to an accident involving four horses at the starting gate.

First Kentucky Derby Wins

Winkfield returned to racing in 1900. He rode a horse named Thrive in the Kentucky Derby, finishing third. He rode in the Derby again in 1901 and 1902. He won both times, riding His Eminence in 1901 and Alan-a-Dale in 1902. In 1901 alone, he won 220 races. His last Derby race was in 1903, where he finished second on a horse named Early.

Racing in Europe

After a misunderstanding about a riding agreement, Winkfield left the USA. He was offered a chance to race in Russia. He took this opportunity and quickly became very famous there.

Success in Russia

In Russia, Jimmy Winkfield achieved many victories. He won the Russian Oaks five times. He also won the Russian Derby four times. He won the Czar's Prize three times and the Warsaw Derby twice.

Moving to France

The Russian Revolution began in 1917. This made Winkfield leave Russia. He moved to France and continued his racing career there. In France, he won many important races. These included the Prix du Président de la République, the Grand Prix de Deauville, and the Prix Eugène Adam.

Retirement and Training

Jimmy Winkfield stopped racing as a jockey when he was fifty years old. By then, he had won over 2,500 races. After retiring as a jockey, he started a new career. He became a very successful horse trainer.

Later Life and Legacy

Winkfield lived on a farm near the Hippodrome de Maisons-Laffitte racetrack. This farm was in Maisons-Laffitte, just outside Paris. He stayed there until World War II. He had to leave during the German occupation of France during World War II.

Return to France

After the war ended, he eventually went back to his farm. He lived in Maisons-Laffitte until he passed away in 1974.

Recognition in America

While Winkfield was treated with respect in Europe, America still had segregation. In 1961, Sports Illustrated magazine invited him to a reception. This event was at the Brown Hotel in Louisville. He was initially told he could not use the front door. However, the magazine explained he was an invited guest, and he was then allowed in.

That same year, Winkfield visited the Kentucky Derby. He celebrated 60 years since his historic wins. In 2004, he was honored after his death. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The Jimmy Winkfield Stakes race at Aqueduct Racetrack is named in his honor.

In 2005, the United States House of Representatives passed a special resolution. This resolution honored the life and achievements of Jimmy Winkfield. More details can be found at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.