Category: Horse Racing

Horse racing has long been seen as a male-dominated sport, but over the years, women have made remarkable strides in various roles, from jockeys to trainers and industry leaders. As we celebrate Women’s Month, it’s important to recognize the contributions and achievements of women in horse racing, highlighting their perseverance, skill, and passion for the sport. Despite facing challenges and societal barriers, women have continued to prove their abilities, paving the way for the next generation of female equestrians.

 

A History of Women in Horse Racing

Historically, horse racing was considered an exclusive domain for men, with women being restricted from riding professionally or holding key positions in the industry. However, the resilience of female pioneers gradually changed the landscape. One of the earliest recorded instances of women competing in horse racing dates back to the 19th century, when women started participating in unofficial races. Yet, it wasn’t until the 20th century that they began to gain wider recognition.

In 1969, Diane Crump became the first female jockey to compete in a pari-mutuel race in the United States, breaking barriers and setting the stage for future female riders. Her participation was met with resistance, including jeers from the crowd, but her courage inspired many aspiring female jockeys. Since then, numerous women have followed in her footsteps, proving that they are just as capable of handling the physical and mental demands of the sport.

Women Jockeys Who Made History

1. Julie Krone – A Hall of Fame Legend

Julie Krone is one of the most famous female jockeys in history, becoming the first woman to win a Triple Crown race when she rode Colonial Affair to victory in the 1993 Belmont Stakes. With over 3,700 career wins, Krone paved the way for women in horse racing and remains a symbol of perseverance and excellence.

2. Rosie Napravnik – Dominating the Kentucky Circuit

Rosie Napravnik is one of the most successful female jockeys of recent times, winning the Kentucky Oaks twice and finishing in the top five in the Kentucky Derby—an impressive feat for any jockey. She retired early but left an undeniable mark on the sport.

3. Hayley Turner – Leading the Way in the UK

Hayley Turner is one of Britain’s top female jockeys, becoming the first woman to win a British Group 1 race. Her achievements have helped increase female representation in the UK’s horse racing scene.

Challenges Women Face in Horse Racing

Despite significant progress, women in horse racing still face challenges, including:

• Limited Opportunities – Female jockeys often struggle to get rides in high-profile races.

• Gender Bias – The perception that men are stronger or more suited for the sport still exists.

• Unequal Pay and Recognition – Women often earn less than their male counterparts and receive fewer sponsorship deals.

However, organizations and initiatives promoting gender equality in horse racing are working to change this. Programs that support female jockeys and trainers are growing, helping to create a more inclusive environment in the industry.

Celebrating Women in Horse Racing During Women’s Month

Women’s Month is the perfect time to acknowledge the achievements of women in horse racing and encourage more young girls to pursue careers in the sport. Events like ladies’ race days, charity auctions supporting women in sports, and educational programs are great ways to celebrate their contributions.

Furthermore, betting companies and race organizers can use this time to highlight female jockeys and trainers, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. Increased media coverage and sponsorships for female riders can help level the playing field, giving them more opportunities to showcase their talent.

The Future of Women in Horse Racing

The future looks promising for women in horse racing, with more female jockeys, trainers, and owners stepping into the spotlight. With continued advocacy and support, the barriers that once held women back are gradually disappearing. The goal is to see a sport where talent, not gender, determines success.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s recognize the contributions of women in horse racing and continue pushing for equality in the sport. Whether in the saddle, behind the scenes, or leading the industry, women have proven time and again that they belong in the world of horse racing—and they’re here to stay.

Experience the Thrill of Card Games with GameZone and Tongits Plus

If you love the competitive spirit of horse racing, you’ll enjoy the excitement of Tongits Plus and GameZone, the top platforms for Filipino card game enthusiasts. Just like horse racing, these games require a mix of strategy, skill, and a bit of luck, making them a great way to test your abilities against other players.

Whether you’re a horse racing fan or a card game enthusiast, GameZone and Tongits Plus offer a fun and competitive environment where you can challenge friends, join vibrant communities, and sharpen your gaming skills. Try them today and experience the thrill of strategic play anytime, anywhere!

For readers unfamiliar with the name, Jonbon is a nine-year-old gelding, owned by John ‘J.P.’ McManus and trainer by Nicky Henderson, who, at the time of writing, is odds-on favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on March 12, 2025. The son of Walk In The Park began his racing career with a winning debut in a maiden point-to-point at Dromhane, County Cork, when trained by Ellmarie Holden, and has since won 17 of his 20 starts under Rules for Nicky Henderson.

Jonbon suffered the first defeat of his career when comprehensively outpointed by stable companion Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, going down by 22 lengths, although he was still good enough to finish second. He was second again on his return to the Cheltenham Festival in 2023, jumping slightly left throughout the Arkle Challenge Trophy and finishing 5½ lengths behind El Fabiolo. Lo and behold, five starts later, he was second again, again at Cheltenham, not at the Festival but in the hastily rearranged Clarence House Chase in January 2024. In truth, while beaten a neck by the 14lb-inferior Elixir Du Nutz, at odds of 1/4, he was lucky to complete the course at all, having blundered badly at the fourth-last fence on the New Course.

So, while few would argue that Jonbon is the leading two-mile steeplechaser on either side of the Irish Sea, anyone looking to take him on in the Queen Mother Champion Chase can take some solace that he is just 2-5 at Cheltenham, with both wins coming in Grade 2 contests. On the other side of the coin, he is officially rated 170, has 10 Grade 1 wins to his name and has yet to finish out of the first two.

The feature race on day two of the Cheltenham Festival, Queen Mother Champion Chase is, nowadays, worth £400,000 in prize money (36% less than the Cheltenham Gold Cup), yet has attracted a double-figure field just twice in the last ten years. Nevertheless, the two-mile chasing championship – which is actually run over fractionally short of the official minimum distance on the Old Course at Prestbury Park – has produced three winning favourites in the last ten years.

Altior, trained by Nicky Henderson, won back-to-back renewals in 2018 and 2019, during his world record 19-race winning streak, and Energumene, trained by Willie Mullins, likewise justified favouritism in 2023, but otherwise market leaders have been out of luck. That was particularly true in 2024, when El Fabiolo, also trained by Mullins, was sent off at prohibitive odds of 2/9, but was brought to a standstill by a bad mistake at the fifth fence and was pulled up shortly afterwards.

When it comes to Cheltenham betting odds, Ante-post punters interested in whether the current odds-on on favourite, Jonbon (5/6), also trained by Henderson, can take a crumb of comfort from the fact that the Clarence House Chase at Ascot – in which he comprehensively outpointed Energumene – has proved a reliable trial for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in recent years. Beyond the market leader, Gaelic Warrior (7/1), another trained by Mullins, was an impressive winner of the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, but has been beaten in all three starts since, while Il Est Francais (7/1), trained in France by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, could prove interesting over the minimum trip.

Cheltenham Festival Free Bet:  https://blog.betway.com/horse-racing/countdown-to-cheltenham-earn-over-pound100-in-free-bets-1/

In recent weeks, I have read a number of professional gambler books. I’ve enjoyed Dave Nevison’s A Bloody Good Winner and I’m three-quarters through Harry Findlay’s: Gambling For Life. Both depict a roller-coaster ride of the extraordinary life of betting for a living. Stories from men larger than life.

Astonishing five and six-figure bets placed like money was going out of fashion.

I guess in ways both Nevison and especially Findlay are extroverts. However, professional gamblers can be varied in their character traits. Some are quietly spoken, knowledgable and introverted. To be honest, I have no idea if Simon ‘Dodger’ McCartney was the picture I paint him but I’m sure he would had been able to tell some remarkable stories.

I had never heard of McCartney until reading a story about racing journalist Brian Lee. In fact, this piece is inspired by an article written by him published in the Western Mail titled: ‘The Dodger Lives On In Legend As Much-Love Pro Punter.’

Dodger got his name slipping through the bustling crowds to get his bets on at National Hunt courses across the country.

Lee spoke fondly of their 30-year friendship with the professional gambler who was one of a dozen pros on the National Hunt circuit. McCartney inherited his love of horse racing from his father who was a street corner bookmaker. There wasn’t a National Hunt racecourse that McCartney hadn’t visited, travelled the country betting on horses for a living. In fact, he used to drive 1000 miles a week to get to courses from his home in Gloucestershire.

Originally punting on greyhounds at London tracks, rather than todays world of online betting platforms he changing to jump racing. He’d been racing since the age of 16 and said that his favourite course was Hereford because it had such a lovely atmosphere and friendly people.

Giving away some thoughts on gambling he stated that he never bet each way and preferred to bet on two horses in a race if the odds were value. A gambler who placed his bets ‘as cool as a cucumber’ he would roar ‘come on, my son’ as they cleared the last jump in front.

McCartney was a respected figure on the racecourse and had a good relationship with owners, jockeys and trainers, who often asked his opinion. They trusted his word and character as he never once asked for tips.

Sadly, Simon was tragically killed in a road traffic accident in 2002, aged 69. He had recovered from throat cancer and got back on course much to the delight of his friends. He was travelling from Stratford, after a successful day backing three winners.

His funeral at North London saw a congregation of 150 mourners including the great and good of racing.

Nick Gaselee described McCartney as ‘one of the National Hunt racing’s greatest characters. He had a natural warmth and wit, a life-long passion for racing and even made a living from betting on it’.

It was said you could tell how well McCartney’s gambling was going by the car he drove. He owned cars from E-Type Jaguar to a Ferrari. In fact, he owned a house in Hampstead and another in Epping Forest. Back in the day he would bet £6,000 a week to return a profit of £400.

Gaselee said: ‘It’s ironic at a time when racing is receiving a bad press about gambling, Dodger should have represented all that is good and all that is fair and honest, and all that is fun and amusing in our sport.’

Simon ‘Dodger’ McCartney had a passion and love for National Hunt racing.

He is sadly missed.