LEXINGTON, KY—APRIL 16, 2014—On April 13, Keeneland hosted “Ladies of the Turf” to honor 21 retired and active female jockeys, including those who were first allowed to ride in 1969 and some of the most accomplished members of their profession.

Among the women who participated in the day’s events was leading American Quarter Horse jockey and Texas Racing Hall of Fame member Tami Purcell-Burkland, who is now retired from race riding. Also attending the event were Thoroughbred hall of famer Julie Krone; Kathy Kusner, the first woman to be licensed to ride; Diane Crump, the first women to ride against men and the first to ride in the Kentucky Derby; Barbara Jo Rubin, the first to win a recognized race; Patti Barton, the first to win 1,000 races; Kaye Bell, the first to win a race at Keeneland; Patricia “PJ” Cooksey, the first to ride in the Preakness; and Rosie Napravnik, the first to be leading rider at Keeneland.

The complete list of women: Vicky Aragon Baze, Donna Barton Brothers, Patti Barton, Kaye Bell, Kaoru Tschuiya-Chatfield, Stacie Clark-Rogers, Patricia “P.J.” Cooksey, Diane Crump, Tammy Fox, Abigail Fuller, Julie Krone, Kathy Kusner, Rosie Napravnik, Suzie Picou-Oldham,Tami Purcell-Burkland, Jennifer Rowland-Small, Barbara Jo Rubin, Andrea Seefeldt-Knight, Melinda Spickard Vest, Cheryl White and Mary Wiley-Wagner.

The day's events included a presentation and video tribute following the second race, won by Napravnik. The women also participated in an autograph signing featuring a commemorative poster created by noted cartoonist Peb. Proceeds from the sale of the poster raised $1,000 for Horses and Hope and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

Keeneland’s recognition of the Ladies of the Turf was part of Horses and Hope Pink Day. Horses and Hope is First Lady Jane Beshear’s initiative to raise awareness of breast cancer among women working in Kentucky’s horse industry. Mrs. Beshear participated in a lunch for survivors at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion, and participants enjoyed afternoon activities at the track.

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHARacing on Twitter, watch the AQHA Racing Newscast and visit www.aqharacing.com.