Today in Sports History #22 - First Female Jockey to win Major Race (March 1, 1973)
Today's Sports in History event is about Robyn Smith. Robyn was a rarity - a female jockey. On March 1, 1973 she became the first woman to win a major race in the USA. With horse "North Sea" she won the Paumonok Handicap at Aqueduct Race Track in New York.
She also became the first woman jockey to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Robyn retired from racing in 1980 and go married to the famous actor Fred Astaire who was 45 years older.
The age difference was the main driver that the the romance was not welcomed by the media, supporter and especially Astair's family. Something which would not happened these days anymore but it has been said that Robyn is also a tricky character but she always protected her privacy which I certainly respect.
Sources: Afflictor.com, Sports Illustrated, Wikipedia, Pixabay
To see what happened in Sports History already - check the links below:
February 28: Baseball drugs scandal
February 27: Baseball & Cricket
February 23: Olympics Lake Placid
February 17: Invention of the Bike
February 15: Olympic gold twice
February 12: Team Canada Ice Hockey
February 11: Mike Tyson knocked out
February 10: Mark Spitz Birthday
February 9: Volleyball invented
It is content so it is really up to you. A mix of facts, personal posts and opinions are always good.
Thanks @hilarski - was that supposed to be a comment in a Facebook group? Thanks for the advise in any case, appreciate your thought any time!