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Emerald Downs icon Connie Doll reaches 50th year of racing

Connie Doll, a 67-year-old gallop girl, is celebrating her 50th season in professional horse racing at Emerald Downs in Auburn. She remains a mainstay in the Pacific Northwest racing community.
Doll won her first race in Canada at age 14 before earning her U.S. license at 16. She navigated early resistance to female riders, helping pave the way for jockeys like 19-year-old Addson Pifer.
As Rosie Simkins' main gallop person, Doll prepares horses for competition and manages their mental well-being. "We have to be psychologists and psychiatrists sometimes to get them over the problems," Doll said.
On Saturday, August 15, Doll will host a charity auction for The PDJF, which provides medical support for seriously injured jockeys. The event occurs one day before the Longacres Miles.
Despite a knee injury that sidelined her for one year in 2024, the Enumclaw native remains a mainstay at the track. She works to ensure paralyzed former riders are remembered.

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