This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Thursday, March 1, 1973

Robyn Smith registers historic first

Robyn Smith became the first female jockey to win a stakes race, riding North Sea to victory in the Paumanok Handicap at Aqueduct Race Track. Smith, a San Francisco native, became a jockey in 1969 and had success, despite her 5-7 frame. The 28-year-old made history when North Sea, owned by Alfred G. Vanderbilt II, completed the race in 1:09. The colt and the jockey were considered long shots, but won $27,450. The actress-turned-jockey also rode North Sea to victory the next month, winning the Westchester Handicap. She married Fred Astaire in 1980.