BLACKWELL, OKLAHOMA HORSE RACE 1905 BUTTON WITH BLACK JOCKEY ON BLACK HORSE AND WHITE JOCKEY ON WHITE HORSE.

BLACKWELL, OKLAHOMA HORSE RACE 1905 BUTTON WITH BLACK JOCKEY ON BLACK HORSE AND WHITE JOCKEY ON WHITE HORSE. (image 1/[null])
Pricing & History
In the years following the Civil War, horse racing was the sole integrated sport in America. In the first Kentucky Derby, in 1875, 13 of 15 jockeys were African American. Between 1890 and 1899, Black jockeys won six Derbies, one Preakness and three Belmont Stakes. However, in the early 1900s, Black jockeys quickly disappeared which is what makes this 1905 button so unusual. In an article titled "Jim Crow In The Saddle:The Expulsion Of African American Jockeys From American Racing" the authors conclude the main reason for expulsion came from White jockeys intent to "draw the color line". This was accomplished by White jockeys attacking their Black counterparts by boxing them out during races, running them into the rail and hitting them with riding crops. This Oklahoma button demonstrates an exception to the trend of the era and promotes the "Inter-State Fair/Oct. 16-21, 1905" where "$12,500.00" was offered "in premiums". 1.25" with W&H back paper. Exc. One known to us. Rare.
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