As a driver, however, she only competed for free, as has Kelly and Jamie Rucker, Michelle Ruvola and Rose Bonomo.
All of these ladies, you see, have opted to compete as amateur drivers in such events as the C.K.G. Billings Series.
"Lady drivers are central to the success and fun which the Billings Series enjoys and accords its participants," Peter Gerry says. "Over the 22 years of Billings competition, there have been 60 women drivers who have competed, some quite frequently. Their participation has been an integral part of the program and the record shows that they have competed successfully."
These five women mentioned above are but a small sampling of a growing number of women who want to grab the lines, but don't wish to make a career out of it. Therefore, they have turned to the various amateur clubs for racing experiences, thrills and victories.
"Driving professionally is a fiercely competitive, cut-throat profession dominated by men who generally do not go out of their way to accommodate and welcome ladies into their profession," Gerry added. "That is not meant to be criticism; it's simply an honest recognition of the reality of the game and the way it is played. Accordingly, an amateur driving series such as the Billings Series or a series of local club competitions offer ladies who want to compete as drivers open opportunities and level playing fields on which to do so."
"When I look back at our records since 1982, the first edition of the Billins, I note that with maybe the exception of Brooke Nickells who competed with us in the early-mid 1990s, all of our lady drivers have retained their amateur status as drivers," Gerry said. "For those ladies who wish to be fully engaged in the training and racing of horses, the Billings and other local club competitions offer them the opportunity to drive competitively without the pressure of having to make a living at it."
"There really has never been a point to me driving professionally," Leslie said. "In my mind--from an owner's perspective--I'm better off putting up a professional driver in order to have the best chance in a professional race.
"But the amateur series gives me a chance to drive, and to drive in races using my own horses that I've conditioned and trained to respond to my style. I'd enjoy racing under those circumstances and I'll leave the money-making situations up to others."
