The Herrin City Library, Herrin, Illinois, is hosting author Roger Peach at its “book talk” event on Friday, September 20 at 2 p.m. Peach will be discussing 47-year jockey veteran Lillian Jenkinson Holder who for decades competed at Southern Illinois county fairs. Lillian is the subject of his 2024 biography Jockey Queen.
Lillian Jenkinson Holder (1909-1992) was a legend in the racing saddle and was capable of competing with any jockey, female or male, throughout the majority of her career. The fact that she fought so hard for the right to compete at recognized, pari-mutuel racetracks beginning when she was a teenager ultimately resulted in “racing powers” of the day, otherwise known as “men,” banning her from their sight.
The event is free to the public (no registration required) and Peach will be happy to sign any Jockey Queen or Swamper Tales book patrons bring to the event. Both of his books will be available for purchase at the event, which saves shipping costs. Hardcover copies of Jockey Queen and Swamper Tales are priced respectively at $35 and $25 (cash or check). If there’s no room for purchase in your budget, check out the book from the library.
Come share your remembrances of one fearless jockey!
The Herrin City Library is located at 120 N. 13th Street. For further information phone the library at 618-253-6109. Peach can be reached directly via email (prpeach99@yahoo.com) or by phone at 618-363-3394. Peach will also be giving his program to the Williamson County Historical Society at their quarterly membership meeting on October 27th at 2 P.M.