BIOGRAPHY |
Clayson was the 5th female jockey in the United States to be licensed and 1st to ride against the boys in New England. Known to be a hard-working and versatile horsewoman, Clayson was already 32-years old and a devoted wife and mother of two boys, tow-headed Chris and Kenny, when she set out on her history making ride. Her mount “Lucketeer” was a six-year old bay horse owned and trained by her mother and father. Mame’s horse was escorted to the post by a pony ridden by her brother, Joe. The 4’11” rider drew the largest non-holiday Monday crowd in the 23-year history of the track, 10,742. Thousands lined the paddock lane as the horses paraded to post. The crowd went wild and the press had a field day!
Mary Clayson's career was short, but it was important for the many female jockeys who followed her into the starting gate in New England
SCRAPBOOK | ||
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Lucketeer Breaks From the Gate | ||
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