At the crossroads of thunderous hooves and the slow, mellow pour of aged bourbon lies a story that too few know—but one that deserves to be savored like the finest small-batch whiskey. It’s the tale of Black jockeys who ruled America’s racetracks and the enduring cultural connection between African-American history, Kentucky’s equine traditions, and the state’s signature spirit: bourbon.

Racing Toward Glory: The Legacy of Black Jockeys

The Kentucky Derby is hailed as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” but its earliest years were dominated by Black excellence. In fact, 15 of the first 28 Kentucky Derbies were won by African-American jockeys. Names like Isaac Murphy, one of the greatest jockeys in history with three Derby wins and a career win rate over 40%, deserve to be as familiar as the great horses they rode.

Yet by the early 20th century, racism and exclusion pushed Black jockeys to the margins. Despite their skills and victories, institutional barriers and social forces drove them from the sport they once ruled. Their contributions, though, remain indelible—etched into the history of equine sports and still whispered in the grandstands by those who remember.

The Bourbon Bond: African-American Influence in Kentucky Whiskey

While horses galloped through Kentucky fields, another craft was quietly aging in charred oak barrels. Bourbon—often seen as a symbol of Southern pride—also bears the imprint of Black craftsmanship.

Much of bourbon’s early labor and expertise came from enslaved Africans and their descendants, who worked on the distilleries and tobacco farms of Kentucky. From tending to copper stills to perfecting fermentation and barrel storage, their work formed the backbone of an industry that would become globally renowned.

One powerful example is Nathan "Nearest" Green, the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey. While Green's story centers in Tennessee, his legacy reflects a broader truth: African-Americans helped shape the whiskey traditions that bourbon embodies today.

Dabney & Co.: Where Legacy Meets Libation

At Dabney & Co., we believe in honoring these intertwined legacies—not just with words, but with experience. Every glass poured at our bar in Michigan carries a little of that history, a quiet nod to the resilience, skill, and artistry of those who came before.

Our bourbon selection is curated with care, spotlighting Black-owned labels, small-batch distilleries, and Kentucky classics that represent more than just a drink—they’re a dialogue across generations. And our live jazz and blues nights echo the same spirit of cultural pride and remembrance that these pioneers embodied.

When you sip a neat pour or listen to the blues drift through the lounge, you’re partaking in a tradition of excellence and endurance. You’re raising a glass not just to good times—but to the giants whose stories too often went untold.

Why This History Matters

Understanding the roles Black Americans played in shaping equine sports and bourbon culture isn't just about righting historical wrongs—it’s about celebrating identity, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy. It's about giving space to voices once silenced, and acknowledging how deeply these contributions have enriched American traditions.

As famed jockey Jimmy Winkfield, the last African-American to win the Kentucky Derby in 1902, once said:

“We rode because we were good at it. We were born in the saddle.”

And as any bourbon lover knows, what’s born from patience and pressure becomes something worth treasuring.