Media Archive – First Female to Race with Men – New Zealand, 1977

Joan Phipps blazed a trail for women jockeys the world over through her tenacity, spunk, drive and pure talent. Her compassion for animals and the underdogs of the world have made her, both in and out of the thoroughbred racing industry, a Canadian hero. Joan's had an extraordinary life: from a youngster on the racetrack to the legendary race of her life in New Zealand that changed the world for women jockeys to her battles with personal demons that nearly crippled her.