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

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