Riding for My Life, Vol. 1

From the Publisher
Julie Krone has become the most celebrated female jockey in the history of horse racing. Among her many record-breaking accomplishments are being the first woman to win the Belmont Stakes, to win five races in one day at a New York track, and to compete in a Breeders Cup race. The winner of over $56 million in purses, Julie Krone has made more than 2,800 trips to the winner's circle. Despite her natural talent, Julie's road to success was anything but smooth. In a sport hostile to women, she had to curse louder, fight harder, and, above all, race faster in order to stand her ground against the men of the trade. A high school dropout with divorced parents, Julie faced personal hardship as well. As she struggled to reach the top, her mother was suddenly diagnosed with cancer, and Julie fell victim to periods of loneliness and depression, overcame a drug problem, and suffered a broken back that would pull her out of racing for four months. Julie's most devastating setback, however, was a near-fatal accident in August 1993, when a 1,200-pound horse hit her directly above the heart. But the unstoppable Julie would not be beaten. With a driving will to win (and with the help of fourteen screws and two plates in her ankle) Julie Krone is back - and riding for her life.