James Winkfield was a Thoroughbred jockey and horse trainer from Kentucky, best remembered as the last African American to ride a winner in the Kentucky Derby.
10 Facts About Jimmy Winkfield
1.
2.
Jimmy Winkfield was suspended for one year after one race for his involvement in a four-horse accident at the starting gate.
3.
Jimmy Winkfield rode in the race again in 1901 and 1902, winning on His Eminence and Alan-a-Dale respectively.
4.
Jimmy Winkfield competed in his final Derby in 1903, finishing second on Early.
5.
Jimmy Winkfield won the Russian Oaks five times, the Russian Derby four times, the Czar's Prize on three occasions, and the Warsaw Derby twice.
6.
Jimmy Winkfield retired as a jockey at age fifty having won more than 2,500 races, then began a second successful career as a horse trainer.
7.
Jimmy Winkfield lived on a farm near the Hippodrome de Maisons-Laffitte in Maisons-Laffitte on the outskirts of Paris.
8.
Jimmy Winkfield remained there until fleeing the German occupation of France during World War II.
9.
Jimmy Winkfield was admitted after the magazine explained that he was an invited guest.
10.
Jimmy Winkfield made an appearance at the Kentucky Derby that year to celebrate 60 years since his historic victories.