How Far did the Horse Jockey Wantha Bangs Davis go? Essay Example

Isaac Murphy emerged as a prominent African American jockey in the Kentucky Derby. He achieved victory three times during the years 1890 and 1891. Despite his success, there were those who criticized Murphy for his aggressive riding style that prioritized winning the race over the well-being of the horses.

According to the renowned trainer, Isaac Murphy once stated that he is the greatest jockey of all time, surpassing even the great jockeys from England and this country (Registry). However, Eddie Arcaroto eventually claimed the title and held a record that lasted until 1948.

Following in the footsteps of Isaac Murphy, a string of renowned horse racers emerged in the era following World War I. Among them was the exceptional Monk Overton, who achieved six victories at Washington Park in Illinois on July 10, 1891. Another notable racer was Willie Simms, who garnered fame with six triumphant races at Sheepshead Bay in New York on June 23, 1893, and a Kentucky Derby win between 1896 and 1898.

James "Soup" Perkins, also referred to as "the boy jockey," became famous in 1893 at the young age of 13. This period also saw the prominence of Jimmy Lee and Jimmy Winkfield. In a more recent occurrence on May 6, 2000, Marlon St. Julien created history by being the first black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby after a span of seventy-nine years (Registry).

Due to the American Civil War (1861-1865), horse racing has been temporarily suspended as horses are needed for transportation during the war. Unfortunately, this unfortunate event has resulted in the tragic death of many racing horses.

However, horse racing resumed

its position after the war, with Oliver Lewis securing victory in the inaugural Kentucky Derby on May 17, 1875 (Registry).

In order to become a successful jockey, the African-American rider required an exceptional trainer. Without their guidance, achieving fame would be unattainable. Although some African American jockeys initially began their careers as trainers, many would refuse to pursue jockeying.

Edward "Brown Dick" Brown and Alex Perry, both experienced trainers and jockeys, were known for their victories in the Kentucky Derby. They trained the famous horses Baden-Baden and Joe Cotton (Registry).

During the 1930s to 1950s, male African-American jockeys gained recognition in the world of horse racing. However, it was not until this period that Wantha Bangs, a female jockey, also became well-known in the race track (Aging).

She achieved victory in numerous races and match races thanks to her skill and determination. With her strong mindset and exceptional talent, she embodies the essence of Western America.

The press was astonished by her riding abilities and admired her bearing and poise, which attracted many fans. Numerous articles and four newsreels were dedicated to her story. Sports pages worldwide featured headlines about her. Her winning smiles also brought novelty to photos.

Wantha Davis, known for her petite and brown figure, rose to fame in racetracks from Tijuana to Vancouver ("Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis").

According to reports and comments, she was described as a "beautiful girl with a sunshine personality." She claimed to be traditional and did not partake in vices like drinking or smoking. She had little interest in cosmetics, attended church, preferred trousers for comfort, and overall, she was

happy and contented. She was seen as an exceptional outdoorsy girl. Her life became the highlight story of the year under the title "Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis".

Wantha Davis, the best girl rider in America, was admired by the famous racing columnist Oscar Otis. According to Otis, she was among the 10 noble riders in the nation, including Eddie Arcaro and Johnny Longden ("Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis").

Her popularity led to her defeating three Hall of Fame horse jockeys in 1949. Many spectators were intrigued by her, prompting numerous fans to travel from San Diego to Agua Caliente, Mexico, to witness her race against Johnny Longden.

In a race of six furlongs, she narrowly defeated him by a length and three-quarters. This victory made Johnny Longden, a three-time champion, angry to the point where he removed his bearing and stubbornly refused to be weighed. Additionally, Glen Lasswell suffered defeat to Basil James in both Agua Caliente and Nebraska.

According to sports columnist Nelson Fisher in the San Diego Union, even the most skeptical individuals who doubted a female competing against a male are now accepting that she possesses the necessary abilities. This acknowledgment came after the passing of Johnny Longden, as highlighted in the article titled "Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis".

In 1953, Fisher published an article praising Wantha Davis for her horse-riding skills and noting that she rode horses in a way that many male jockeys would admire ("Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis").

Wantha, who was highly respected in the sports world for her horsemanship skills, faced media attention mainly focused on her gender as a female jockey. This led

to negative comments about her like "Wonderful Wantha Faces Male Riders," "Feminine Jockey, Hit with Crowd," and "Comely Saddle Marvel Facing Double Trouble" (Aging).

Being influenced by top horse tycoons, Wantha had the chance to race at the same level as the best male jockeys of her time. She successfully competed against and defeated top-ranked male riders, making her one of the first female athletes in this sport (Encyclopedia).

Some of the well-known horse breeders and owners in the Americas who work with Wantha include Walter Merrick, Rex Ellsworth, and Marion van Berg (Encyclopedia).

Wantha Davis, a brave jockey, explained that when she is on a horse, she is too focused to be nervous. Instead of whipping the horse, she persuades it with her hand and motivates it with the right words, aiming for first place on the track. Wantha also mentioned that each horse she rides has unique yells ("Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis").

Throughout her fame, Wantha rode top-quality horses and became a highly desired equestrian for horse owners. She traveled to renowned places like Kentucky and Louisville, where she took part in prestigious races and held a position at Churchill Downs.

Despite facing gender discrimination, Wantha was unable to participate in races in certain areas. She repeatedly had her license application rejected until twenty years after her retirement. It was only through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that a license was finally issued to a woman jockey according to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame.

Wantha faces a challenging task to race without a license. She explores both unfamiliar and hazardous bush tracks, as

well as unauthorized pari-mutuel tracks. Wantha describes her experiences, stating that the racetracks were chaotic and unpredictable, with steers and bucking horses roaming the infield. Any unexpected encounter could occur while racing, ("Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis").

Despite the absence of a ladies dressing room facility at the race track, Wartha Davis never encountered any issues. She utilized her horse trailer as a suitable dressing room for her needs ("Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis").

Wantha's original name was Wantha Lorena Bangs and she lived near a racetrack in Kansas. It was common for children like her to ride horses during that time. On her fourth birthday, her grandfather gave her Merrylegs, a Shetland pony, as a present.

When she turned fifteen, she was introduced to Baby Jo - a black mare by a neighbor. Riding Baby Jo marked the start of her career as a female jockey.