Barbara Jo Rubin (born November 21, 1949, in Highland, Illinois) is a pioneering American jockey who became one of the first women to successfully compete against male riders in professional Thoroughbred racing. On February 22, 1969, at age 19, Rubin made history at Charles Town, West Virginia, becoming the first licensed female jockey to win a recognized professional race in the modern era, riding the horse Cohesion. She quickly gained national attention, winning 11 of her first 22 races, helping open the door for women in a traditionally male-dominated sport. During her early success in New York, Rubin caught the attention of trainer Buddy Jacobson, who recognized her talent and even attempted to acquire her riding contract after she won races for him, though her original trainer declined to release her. Rubin’s brief but groundbreaking career made her one of the most important trailblazers for female jockeys in American racing history.