Gage Johnson
Sports Editor
gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
Racer One running the track after each touchdown at home is synonymous with Murray State football, and it took one look to inspire senior Bailey Coffman to become a Racer One jockey.
“We had gold rush where all the freshmen could come onto the field and I had a front row view of Racer One and the jockey running around the end of the track,” Bailey Coffman said. “The chills I got from watching the jockey at the game is one of the main reasons I wanted to become the Racer One Jockey. I knew from that point on that I wanted to be a part of this unique tradition that we have at Murray State.”
Coffman has always had an affinity for horses. That brought her to Murray State to study Equine Business Management and join the equestrian program.
“I was able to bring my horse to school with me and be a part of the equestrian teams on campus,” Coffman said. “I loved the feeling of being on campus and the chances Murray allowed to further myself in the equine industry is what drew me to Murray State.”
Through the equestrian program, Coffman discovered the opportunity to be the jockey for Racer One and jumped at the chance.
“This opportunity allows me to representMurray State on and off campus,” Coffman said. “It is a huge honor that I have been given to continue the tradition that is important to both Murray State and the community. I will be able to take this experience with me long after I graduate from Murray and the memories are ones I will cherish forever.”
It may seem as though they’re just racing around the track after each touchdown, there’s a lot more that goes into preparing for each game.
Coffman said hours before kickoff she and the Racer One team get him mentally prepared at the barn, then bathe him and relax with him. Then, it’s time for the big game.
From kids coming to meet the horse and the infamous announcement of ‘Clear the Track!’ that Coffman loves so dearly, she says if anyone was interested in becoming a jockey in the future, that it’s a decision they wouldn’t regret.
“I would tell them to go for it,” Coffman said. “This has given me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. To not only be a part of this awesome tradition but to grow as a horsewoman has been amazing. I would not trade being the Racer One jockey and I cannot wait to see who gets to carry the tradition after this season.”
Coffman and Racer One will take to the track against Morehead State at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sep. 21 at Roy Stewart Stadium.