STORY
Two Black jockeys strive to succeed and cement their legacy after being erased from their prize-winning history in thoroughbred horseracing.
“Pacesetter" is a feature-length documentary exploring the uncelebrated legacy of the Black jockey from the 19th century to the present. Unbeknownst to most race day fans and revelers, Black jockeys played a pivotal role in the dawn of American horse racing, winning 15 of the first 28 Kentucky Derbies before racism forced them out of the industry. One hundred and fifty years later, “Pacesetter” examines the impact of this erasure through the eyes of two prominent Black jockeys, Kendrick Carmouche and Teneca Wolfe. This documentary bears witness to Kendrick and Teneca's reclamation of their rightful place in the sport’s modern era. As White and Latino jockeys dominate the sport, it is crucial that we finally learn the many contributions made by Black jockeys to the industry before it is too late. Further, “Pacesetter” invites musicians, playwrights, painters, and fashion designers into the conversation to contemporize the Black jockey's triumphant story and ensure that their legacy lives on.
Lead Participants
Teneca Wolfe
Teneca Wolfe-Bell from Mississauga, Ontario, is a pioneering Canadian jockey celebrated as the first Black female rider to win a race in North America
Kendrick Carmouche
Kendrick Carmouche, born in Vinton, Louisiana, is a trailblazing American jockey known for his grit and success in thoroughbred racing. Coming from a family of jockeys, he won his first race at 16 and dominated Parx Racing with seven titles, earning the nickname "King of Philadelphia."
He made history by winning the Wood Memorial aboard Bourbonic, becoming the first Black jockey in the Kentucky Derby since 2013.
