Homeister Becomes Second Leading Female Rider

Edited Colonial Downs report

Jockey Rosemary Homeister Jr. became Thoroughbred racing’s second winningest female jockey of all time when she rode Kathleen O’Connell’s Gambles List to victory in the third race the evening of July 20 at Colonial Downs.

Homeister entered the card tied with P.J. Cooksey at 2,137 lifetime wins but bested that number with her 1 1/2- length victory over Grant Me Sunshine. The 4-year-old filly went to the far inside in deep stretch to pass front running Durban City and reach the winners circle for the third time in four starts.

The all-time leading female rider is Julie Krone, who retired with 3,704 wins.

This is Homeister’s first season competing at Colonial Downs, where she is pulling away in the local jockey standings. The 37-year-old has 45 wins so far, 16 more than second place rider Sheldon Russell. Homeister is one of only five female riders to compete in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and the most recent one to do so---she rode Supah Blitz in the 2003 Derby won by Funny Cide.

“This is a big moment for me and another key career accomplishment that gets added to my resume,” said a jubilant Homeister, who retired from racing in November 2004 after 13 years, but decided to return to competition in June 2006.

Rosemary is the only active rider of the top eight women riders in the country.