P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

Hillsdale fan — Sun, 16 May 2010 00:34:16 GMT

What about Diane Crump?

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

antenette — Sat, 15 May 2010 18:29:45 GMT

I thought the ladies did a wonderful job. Mary russ looked liked she never stopped ridding. She looks better than most men on a horse.

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

James — Sat, 15 May 2010 00:00:49 GMT

Thomas, The writer mentions Rosemary in the 4th verse . Remember this is about retired female jockeys. I also think Rosemary is one of the best today.

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

steve from st louis — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:17:04 GMT

What is so amazing about all these women is that horseracing is the only sport where men and women compete on the same level playing field. Unlike golf, there are no "women's tees" in racing, no "head start". And please don't compare NASCAR's Danica Patrick--to me, operating a machine is not a sport. Safe trip to all.

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

kelso fan — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:53:17 GMT

Re: Rosemary Homeister - either the blog author went back and corrected the article or it was there already in the 4th paragraph?

I'll be rooting for Patti Cooksey as I remember her career so well and she is paired with Cleric from Dogwood - one of my favorite barns and an ownership group that is always supportive.

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

RachelLover — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:13:31 GMT

Esther, I always enjoy your stories and love the great pictures you always include; this story is another great one! Thank you for bringing attention to this awesome race which showcases champion women jockeys. While I'll have to miss the live viewing of the race, I plan to catch it the replay. One of my favorite female jockeys actively riding the circuit right now is Chantal Sutherland. She's a tough cookie on the track but always looks like a lady when she's away from the track. My husband thinks she's awesome and always looks for her when she's riding at either Santa Anita or Woodbine. This topic brought up another question I'd love to know the answer to - has there ever been a female track announcer? If so, who? If not, why?

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

quarterhossgal — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:25:39 GMT

As a breast cancer survivor I appreciate the active role Horse racing is playing in supporting Susan Komen foundation. I'm so impressed by these women jockeys

that come back to ride. I know one of the most important things I did after my surgery was to get back on my horse. "the outside of a Horse is good for the inside of a Woman".

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

hawk — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:57:34 GMT

Nice article except Rosie Homemeister is 2nd to Julie Krone in total victories with well over 2,000 , and will dominate the Colonial Downs meet this summer

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

Carlos n — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:08:14 GMT

I got to know A. Seefeldt back in the 80's when I was in Maryland,I always like her stile as a rider and as a person,so I will be rooting for her.

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

thomas owen — Fri, 14 May 2010 11:58:46 GMT

i represent jockey rosemary homeister jr., who last july passed patti cooksey as the 2nd most winning female jockey in united states racing. rosemary has been ommitted from the 2,000 win club by this blog author who doesn't even list his name on the article. patti cooksey is indeed a rockstar, but the facts should be known that there are 3 females jockeys that win over 2,000 races. at least have the facts straight when you write an article, whover you are.

1. julie krone

2. rosemary homeister jr.

3. patti cooksey

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

camehome — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:39:44 GMT

Ok, I will be rooting for all of them! After 25 years in the business, I can say that all the gals touched our lives in one respect or another. Barbara Jo Rubin, whose story was told in "The Lady Is A Jock", the first book I ever actually read cover to cover when in my teens. It amazed me the fight those gals did just to ride horses. Patty Cooksey, an incredible athlete as a jockey, has gone on to other areas of the sport to be just as useful in those areas as she was a jockey. The first time I saw her on the TV commentating for a local Louisville channel, I was amazed how easy it came to her, along with her work for the Kentucky Horse Racing Board.

Mary Russ, as I knew, rode Lord Darley, back in the 80's to win the Donn Handicap at Gulfstream. In the 80's I lived, breathed, slept horse racing so I was so impressed at Roger Laurin, one of my favorite trainers, to have put Mary on a top horse!

Working for several years in California, I met Cheryl White one winter, while I had a string of babies for Paco Gonzalez. Cheryl got on some horses for me,

a hard working Mom, it was never beneath her to grab a pitch fork if someone didn't show up. She is a true class act and when her name comes up, I am honored to say I know her. And finally Gwen Jocson, I met in Hot Springs, AR. She was galloping for John Servis down there and I remember seeing her name frequently, while riding at Garden State and Phila Park. A great gal who I would match up with any guy in the sport! She is gritty and has no fear in the mornings or afternoons. She amazed me, watching her gallop any tough horse with strength and finesse, and can turn it around the next set and breeze one 5/8ths like she never walked away from the Jocks Room.

Ok, so those are who I will be rooting for....No, I will be rooting for all!

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

camehome — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:22:17 GMT

This is such a great story! Way to go to all the ladies and hopes for a clean and safe trip on Friday!

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

Leo-Run — Fri, 14 May 2010 06:31:52 GMT

This is a fine idea - just wish Kathy Kusner, Tuesday Testa & Robyn Smith were there to participate.

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

Ken Woodall — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:54:11 GMT

I'm rooting for and betting on all the longshots!!

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

Golden Gate — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:51:01 GMT

oops I meant P.J. Cooksey was setting children on one of Frankie Lovato's equicizer horses.

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

Golden Gate — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:46:02 GMT

Thank you for the great write up. I am really looking forward to this race. I met P.J. Cooksie at Keeneland with my kid where she was demonstrating and letting kids ride on one of Pincays equisizer horses for Breakfast with the Jockeys day.

She was very nice to everyone. I hope she wins too and that all ther riders have a great time. I love the pic of them showing off their biceps--lol

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

Laurie — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:45:39 GMT

What a great idea!

I admit, I will be rooting for Rubin. When I was a little girl, I saw her on TV and told my parents I wanted to be a jockey, too. That didn't happen, but I love the sport!

re: P.J. Cooksey: Why She's a Rockstar

txhorsefan — Thu, 13 May 2010 21:15:17 GMT

Thanks for a great article and photos! I have so much admiration for these women - first for the milestones and things they accomplished in their careers before they retired, but to come out of retirement and get ready to ride again for this cause is amazing. I hope they all win the race because they have already won it in my book.