What Is Too Black Too Fast?
Too Black Too Fast is a historical artistic presentation of paintings and sculptures about African Americans in horse racing jockeys, trainers and racing scenes by renowned artists, Michael J. McBride, and the late George Nock. There has been truly little in the way of artistic expression presented on African Americans in the equestrian arena. That is what makes Too Black Too Fast a unique exhibition. This exhibition deals with certain areas of the country such as North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, and Louisiana, where most of these events took place.
The construction of this exhibition began 2007 by the two artist and they had some local financial sponsorship in putting it together but financed by the artists.
There are of thirty-two works of art so in the exhibition, twenty-six oil paintings and six bronze sculptures. A major part of the exhibit features images such as portraits of individuals and other illustrated images that represent historical events that occurred. A small part of the exhibition will have contemporary works that are ideas about the equestrian subject matter.
The exhibition tells a remarkable story about African Americans in horseracing with powerful penetrating and thought-provoking images. These images and text will have you looking at the history of our people in new ways as it pertains to the building of America. It will also show you how we were the first athletes of America’s first national sport, horseracing. This exhibition serves to remind us that we must continue to explore, research, and document our history to solidify our contribution as a people in the world at large.
The Triumphs and Challenges of Black Jockeys
1
Early Success
In the late 19th century, Black jockeys enjoyed a golden age, winning over 15% of all races. Their talent and skill were undeniable.
2
Segregation and Discrimination
Despite their success, Black jockeys faced growing discrimination and segregation. Owners began to favor white riders, pushing Black jockeys out of the spotlight.
Jockey Notes
• Isaac Murphy. The first jockey inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was the first to win three Kentucky Derbys (1884, 1890 and 1891) and won 44 percent of all races he rode, a record that has never been threatened.
• Willie Simms. The Hall of Famer was national riding champion in 1893 and 1894 and won the Kentucky Derby both times he raced, in 1896 and 1898.
• Shelby “Pike” Barnes. Was national riding champion in 1888 and 1889, becoming the first jockey to win more than 200 races in a year (206 in 1888).
• Tony Hamilton. Won nearly all the prestigious New York races during the 1890s. Ranked as the country's second-best jockey in 1891.
• Alonzo “Lonnie” Clayton. Became the youngest jockey, at 15, to win the Kentucky Derby (1892). Finished in the money in all four of his Derby starts.
• James “Soup” Perkins. Began racing at age 11, tying Mr. Clayton's youngest-Derby-winner mark by winning in 1895 at 15. Was national riding champion that year.
• Jimmie Lee. Won all six races at Churchill Downs on June 5, 1907, the only jockey ever to sweep a full card of American racing. Ranked as the country's second-best rider that year.
• Alfred “Monk” Overton. Won all six of his races at Washington Park in Illinois on July 10, 1891. Rode in eight Kentucky Derbys.
• William Walker. Won the 1877 Kentucky Derby. Won riding titles at Churchill Downs in five meets. Became one of the country's foremost experts on breeding.