June 15, 1971
Cheryl’s first step into the history books took place at Thistledown Racetrack in Cleveland, OH, in front of a shoulder to shoulder, standing-room only crowd in and out of the Grandstand. Everyone in attendance clamored to catch a glimpse of history in the making.
After months of build-up, continuous local media coverage, practicing hours on end, the moment had arrived. Cheryl White, atop Ace Reward owned by her mother Doris and trained by her father Raymond, she rode out of the paddock for the post parade to a thunderous roar from the crowd.
With a fast break out of the starting gate, she took the lead and looked to be heading for a win. But it was not to be that day, as Cheryl and Ace Reward faded to the back of the pack to finish last in the 11 horse field. Undeterred by this Cheryl was more relieved than anything to have that first race under her belt and was ready for her next ride. It would only be 2.5 more months before she logged her first of more than 700 wins during her 20 year career.
“I probably learned to ride almost before I could walk, it was just natural. I’ve always loved horses. And I was always a bit of a tomboy.” Cheryl White – Star Beacon 2007
“I didn’t expect to win. I expected to be nervous, but found out I wasn’t. I just wanted to look as good as I could because I knew the stewards were watching me.”
Cheryl White – Chicago Daily Defender on June 15, 1971
7/19/81 Vallejo, CA – Mr Slic – 4.5 Furlongs 51.4s *Track &World Record ~ ~ ~ 7/24/82 Vallejo, CA – Mr Slic – 4 Furlongs 45.3s *New Track Record ~ ~ ~ 10/16/82 Fresno, CA – Double R Pleasure – 5 Furlongs 58.1s *Equals Track Record ~ ~ ~ Appaloosa Horse Club’s Jockey of the Year 1977 – 1983 – 1984 – 1985 ~ ~ ~ Inducted into the Appaloosa Hall of Fame 2011 ~ ~ ~ 10/19/83 Fresno, CA – First female jockey to win 5 races in one day ~ ~ ~ 1971 First female jockey to win 2 races on the same day in 2 states
Cheryl White
Rider, Horse and Book Set
For the first time ever, Breyer Horses has released a Rider,Horse & Book Set, helping to honor Cheryl’s Legacy and help inspire the next generation of riders!
Coming up…
Sept 2, 2023
The Jockey & Her Horse Book Launch
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Sarataoga Springs, NY
