James Brown might have said “It’s a man’s world,” but in the male-dominated sport of professional thoroughbred racing, it’s nice to see a few ladies taking charge and taking names. We sat down with Chamisa “Chummy” Goodwin at Presque Isle Downs in Erie, PA to talk horses, being a mom and why you never want to play her in a game of Backgammon.
TrackPack: So, is it rude to ask a woman her age and her weight?
Chummy: Nah, I’m 32 and I way about 103 lbs. And I’m 5’2”
It is very challenging. You have to compete with men on a physical aspect -- and you have to prove yourself a little more because everyone thinks we're weaker.
- Chummy Goodwin, Jockey
TP: So tell us what it’s like to be a woman in totally male-dominated sport?
CG: It is very challenging. You have to compete with men on a physical aspect – and you have to prove yourself a little more because everyone thinks we’re weaker.
TP: Did you always know you wanted to do this?
CG: No, not really. I graduated college but didn’t want to get a job right away. I always grew up around horses but, to be honest, I was too scared to try it.
TP: What changed your mind?
CG: Just being able to gallop the horses. Then working them at full speed. I came to the sport late, at age 26. I’ve always admired jockeys and just wanted to try it. It looked like a lot of fun.
TP: What do you like about the track here in Erie.
CG: The surface is hard to beat. It’s artificial. So you don’t get dirty. (laughs!) The horses handle it well, too. It’s great in all sorts of weather so we race more often.
TP: What’s your record?
CG: I couldn’t tell you. I race less frequently.
TP: So is this a part-time thing?
CG: Well I have a daughter so I get to spend more time with her. And I want to go back and further my education.
TP: How is it in the Jockey’s room? Are you the only woman?
CG: No, tonight there are three others. We all get along well.
TP: Is it the women against the men?
CG: Sometimes it can get like that, but we all stick together. We take it seriously but it doesn’t affect our friendship.
TP: Are you pretty competitive by nature?
CG: Yeah, I’ve always been like that. Even if I’m playing Backgammon. Watch out!
TP: Tell us about your first win.
CG: It was at Penn National in Pennsylvania. It was my 12th race. Very exciting. My horse weaved in and out of traffic... it felt so easy.
TP: Do you have a game plan with a horse?
CG: Well every horse is different. I don’t like to make a horse do something they wouldn’t want to do. I get a feel for the horse when we ride in the morning. When we get to the race, it’s like we’re old friends.
TP: Have you broken anything?
CG: Oh yeah, back, collarbone ...
TP: Ouch, I would never get on a horse after breaking a collar bone.
CG: Well, racing gets in your blood. You get addicted to it. I love it!
TP: Proving, you can’t keep a good woman down.
