Sandy Schleiffers

Sandy Schleiffers is one of the pioneer women jockeys of yesteryear. She is the fourth woman jockey in US history to win a thoroughbred race at a pari-mutuel track. She is also the first woman jockey to be licensed and to win a race in both Arizona and Colorado history. In addition, she is the first woman admitted to the men’s Jockey Guild. Sandy rode thoroughbred races for 7 years from 1969 to 1976. At the end of 1976 Sandy retired from racing and returned to school. She finished her bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and finally a Ph.D. in 1985. She is the only jockey male or female to earn a Ph.D. Sandy is currently retired after a successful career as a lecturer at Colorado State University where she taught for 25 years.

It has been over 50 years since Sandy rode her first race. Since she is not getting any younger, she decided it was time to write her memoirs because her story is very unique. Throughout the book, Sandy shares her experiences with you from those triumphant and turbulent days when she and other women refused to be turned away from a male dominated profession because of tradition.