Breaking Barriers: Trailblazing Female Jockey Patti Cooksey
By Ferrin Peterson – Professional Jockey & Veterinarian | Host of Boundless
Breaking Barriers: A Powerful Conversation with Trailblazing Female Jockey Patti Cooksey
In the world of horse racing — where strength, strategy, and mental toughness collide — few names carry the weight of Patti Cooksey. A Hall of Fame nominee and the second woman in history to ride in the Kentucky Derby, Patti shattered barriers long before “diversity in sports” was a mainstream conversation.
Boundless Season 1 Episode 2
I recently sat down with Patti on my podcast, Boundless, where I explore what it means to live without limits. As a female jockey and veterinarian (two fields I was told could never be done together), I created this show to inspire people to chase the seemingly impossible. And Patti? She embodies that spirit.
Female Jockeys Can Compete — And Win
Horse racing is one of the few professional sports where men and women compete directly against each other, without separate divisions. But that doesn’t mean the road for women has been easy.
As Patti shared:
“They always told me women aren’t strong enough. But I’d just eaten a BLT, a Twinkie, and a glass of milk — and still beat the guy who spent four hours in a hot box trying to lose weight.”
Patti’s story proves that success in the saddle isn’t about brute strength. It’s about finesse, timing, courage, and mental toughness — qualities that female jockeys have in abundance.
The Mental Strength to Ride Through the “Wall”
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation came as Patti recalled riding in the Kentucky Derby — the moment every jockey dreams of:
“Coming down the stretch, it felt like we hit a wall. My horse hesitated, but I put our heads down and started riding again. It was the crowd — a sound barrier of noise. And we kept going. We finished strong.”
This moment wasn’t just about the physical challenge. It was a metaphor for life: when pressure builds, we don’t back down — we dig deeper.
Why Representation Matters in Horse Racing
Patti rode during a time when female jockeys were often dismissed or passed over for major races, which is still the case today. To be taken seriously, she had to outperform expectations — over and over again.
“They’d box me in and try to rattle me. But it wasn’t too hard to outsmart them.”
She didn’t just compete with the men — she earned their respect, and changed the perception of what a woman could achieve in the sport.
Life After Racing — and Giving Back
Today, Patti is still a force in the industry. She works with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, helping regulate the sport, improve safety standards, and mentor the next generation of horsemen and women. She played a role in pushing for safer helmets, protective vests, and better welfare practices — all while continuing to serve the sport that gave her so much.
“I’ve never worked a day in my life. When you love what you do, it’s not work.”
Why This Matters for the Next Generation
As someone riding today, I understand the challenges of being underestimated in a male-dominated field. But like Patti, I believe your passion is your power, and limits are meant to be pushed.
Her story is a reminder that:
Female jockeys are elite athletes
Mental grit and sharp instincts can’t be gendered
Pressure reveals strength — especially in women determined to rise
Final Words of Wisdom
Patti left me — and all of us — with this:
“You are the next generation of riders and industry leaders. I know you’ll go far.” I carry that with pride. And I hope Boundless helps you believe that you can go far, too.
Inspired by Patti’s story?
If you’re passionate about breaking barriers, chasing bold goals, or learning what it really takes to be a professional athlete in horse racing, follow along as I share more stories from the saddle, the barn, and beyond.
