Posted: 3:53 PM May 4, 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Rosie Napravnik became the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks, keeping Believe You Can near the front from the start and pulling away from Broadway's Alibi in the $1 million Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday.

Napravnik was close in the race last year, finishing second behind Plum Pretty with St. John's River. In this one, she took the filly named for the pep talks former Kentucky Gov. Brereton C. Jones' father used to give to the front in the 1 1/8-mile race.

The victory also gave trainer Larry Jones his first Oaks victory since 2008 with Proud Spell. That celebration was cut short when his other filly, Eight Belles, broke down after the Kentucky Derby and was euthanized.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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