Julie Krone American jockey Date of Birth: 24.07.1963 Country: USA

1. Biography of Julie Krone
2. Early Career
3. Television Career and Comeback
4. Retirement and Current Activities

Biography of Julie Krone

Julie Krone is an American jockey and a trailblazer for women in horse racing. Born on July 24, 1963, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, she spent much of her childhood attending famous horse shows in western Michigan. Her idol was Steve Cauthen, whose success as a jockey inspired her to pursue a career in racing.

Early Career

Krone made her debut as a jockey on January 30, 1981, at Tampa, Florida. Just a few weeks later, on February 12, she claimed her first victory. Over the next few years, Krone became a prominent figure in the American racing industry. She participated in prestigious championships such as Belmont Park, Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park, The Meadowlands, and Atlantic City Race Course, where women jockeys had never competed before.

Krone's achievements attracted attention, and she appeared on popular television shows like David Letterman and Jay Leno. In 1989, she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming only the eighth jockey to be featured on the magazine's cover. In 1993, Krone was recognized as the Female Athlete of the Year at the ESPY Awards.

Television Career and Comeback

In April 1999, Krone announced her retirement from racing with plans to pursue a career in television. She worked as an analyst on the TVG Network and later moved to Hollywood Park. However, in November 2002, Krone made a comeback to racing. Despite a brief setback due to a serious injury, she returned to the sport and showcased impressive results throughout the year. In 2003, she became the first woman to win the Breeders' Cup.

Retirement and Current Activities

On December 12, 2003, Krone suffered a severe fall during a race, resulting in multiple rib fractures and muscle tears. Although she attempted a comeback in 2004, she faced a series of defeats. On July 8, 2004, Krone made an official statement implying her retirement from racing. She currently works in radio and television, delivers motivational speeches, and trains racehorse breeders.

Krone's determination and resilience, competing with untreated injuries, earned her a place in USA Today's "10 Toughest Athletes" ranking and the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award from the Women's Sports Foundation. In October 2013, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Krone is also a member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2001, Krone married sports journalist Jay Hovdey, and they welcomed their daughter, Lorelei Judith Krone, in 2005.