Born: January 3, 1917 (Liberal, Kansas)
Died: September 18, 2012
Biography:
Wantha Davis (January 3, 1917 – September 18, 2012) was an American female jockey in thoroughbred horse racing. Born as Wantha Lorena Bangs near Liberal, Kansas, she would go on to become one of the most successful and influential jockeys of her time.
After completing her education at high school, Bangs embarked on a remarkable journey to pursue her passion for horse racing. Determined to forge her own path in the male-dominated sport, she rode a freight train to Texas in search of opportunities at a thoroughbred racetrack. It was here that Bangs found work in the stables and began honing her skills as a jockey.
Returning to Kansas a year later, Wantha Davis began her professional career as a jockey. This was a time when women were routinely refused licensing in the sport, but Davis’s talent and determination propelled her to new heights. Over the course of the next two decades, she would go on to win over one thousand races, establishing herself as one of the top jockeys in the United States.
Davis’s success on the racetrack was truly remarkable, especially considering the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. Her skill and expertise earned the respect of her peers and the admiration of fans across the country. Many major sports writers recognized her as one of the finest jockeys, regardless of gender.
One of the defining moments of Wantha Davis’s career came in 1949 when she defeated the renowned jockey Johnny Longden in an exhibition match race at Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico. Such was the impact of her victory that Longden immediately demanded a rematch, a testament to Davis’s exceptional talent and competitive spirit. Just a few months later, she followed up this triumph with another match race victory, this time over Jack Westrope, a future National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame jockey. These victories solidified Davis’s legacy as a true champion.
In recognition of her significant contributions to the sport of horse racing, Wantha Davis was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2004. This prestigious honor serves as a testament to her enduring impact and the barriers she shattered as a female jockey.
Wantha Davis passed away peacefully on September 18, 2012. Her remarkable career and her unwavering determination continue to inspire generations of female athletes, challenging societal norms and breaking down barriers in the world of sports.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth, Texas (2004)
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