"There are no barriers for female jockeys"
"If you are good enough you will get the rides and opportunities, regardless of whether you are female or male."
That’s according to Champion female flat jockey Hayley Turner. “Its not being a woman which is the difficulty, the hardest part is getting on the horses that have the ability to win.
“You don’t have to be male to make it to the top if this game. If you have the ability, the determination, and focus you will get to where you want to be,” claims Hayley.
Hayley admits that it could be harder for females in the UK if you look at the large number of girls jockeys there are in other countries. “For instance in New Zealand there are a lot more girls doing well over there,” she added.
Entering into the racing industry from a 10 week course at the Northern Racing College, she surely would not have been the only female on her course, yet she is one of only a handful of successful female jockeys at present.
Laura-Jayne Roberts caught up with Hayley to find out about the challenges that face her and other female riders in this sport.
"Kim Bailey Race Yard"
(VIDEO) Female stable hands are treated differently within racing yards, say staff in the industry.
"It's a strength issue"
Within racing, women are faced with this real and fair debate; whether they can ride a racing finish as well as a man who, as science has proved is physically stronger..
"Riding around in circles"
Going around a track is the usual course, perhaps more fitting to say around in circles for women.
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"Falling short"
The shortage of successful female jockeys may put many young girls off making a career in the saddle.
"Success in flats not heels"
Women are given more opportunities on the flat, one reason proposed for this is that women can now do the low weights better than males.
"Two can play that game"
It used to be said women couldn't stand up to Three-Day-Eventing. Now they are beating the men regularly and actually leading this field.
- Hayley Turner weighing in.jpg)
"Good as a male, exceptional as a female"
A shared opinion amongst people in the racing industry is that you have to be good to make it as a male jockey, but of exceptionally high ability as a female to stand out and be given the opportunities.
"Equality in the workplace"
Female stable hands are treated differently within racing yards, say staff in the industry.