Letter To The Editor: Women Need To Organize And Speak Up

[Wandering Eyes]

Since you asked readers for input at the end of Carrie Brogden's letter, I'll offer what I've observed over the 38 years that I've been a racing fan.

First: look at how U.S. racing regards races for fillies and mares. The distances are shorter and purses are smaller. Getting a filly to the Kentucky Derby has become much harder ever since a points system was implemented. Plus, there's no Triple Crown equivalent for fillies. Every other top level racing country has Grade I classics for each gender… the U.S. has a faint memory of NYRA's now-defunct Triple Tiara.

Then when racing is done, stallions are lauded for having 50 stakes winners from 1200 foals, but mares who produce a single stakes winner from seven foals are anonymous.

Second: media coverage is insufferable any time a filly races against colts, a female jockey rides in a major race or when a female trainer has a top contender. Instead of presenting human and equine females as competent, worthy competitors, publicity amounts to “oh wow, it's a woman!” or “this frail filly is trying to overcome all obstacles by running here, remember Ruffian?”

Third: this is the most complicated piece–social norms. Women are busy. They have horses, careers, families, laundry, bills, etc. I don't blame anyone for not wanting added responsibility of having to kiss someone's a@# and navigate male hierarchy.

Having said that, I don't know how most board members are selected… are they chosen? Do they have to campaign for a spot?

No one will give you anything if they don't know that you want it.

Hopefully we women can organize and speak up.

–Anna Montanucci

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