Wilhemina 'Bill' Smith

Caption:

Wilhemina Smith 'Bill' (1889-1975)
Jockey incognito

Determined to be a successful jockey 'Bill' spent her life as a man

No women were jockeys in the 1880s - or till more recently
Born in 1886, Wilhemina Smith wanted to be a jockey.  However, the authorities had firm restrictions, and women were not permitted to ride.  To overcome this limitation, Wilhelmina dressed as a man and called herself Bill.

Wilhemina was a success
As 'Bill Smith', she became known as a very successful jockey in Queensland country districts.  She went on to win many significant races, including the classic Victorian Oaks.

'Bill's' secret life
In her time living as Bill, she was never discovered.  She refused to change in front of the other riders in the jockey's room, never married and was considered a very private individual.  Wilhemina lived the last years of her life in seclusion near Cairns, still under the persona of 'Bill Smith'.

Courage won through
She died in 1975, and it was only then her secret was revealed, and it was discovered that the success of Bill Smith, in actuality belonged to the courageious Wilhemina Smith, who lived her life as a masquerade in order to accomplish a lifelong dream.

CORRECTION
Since publishing the postcard depicting (Bill ) Wilhemina Smith, we have been advised that the image is not Bill Smith but another jockey, W H Smith.  The error was in the source and given to us in good faith.
This error has stirred up quite a deal of interest in Bill Smith within the racing fraternity and Cairns.  We have added another page on 'Bill' which provides more information on his fascinating history.  Further information is also available at www.justracing.com.au

Source:

Sources:  Bill Condon, Australia Flies: Those who dared, 1998 Heinemann Library, Australia
Image courtesy Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame

Themes: Gallery WHM 2005 - Racy Women