The shortage of successful female jockeys in the UK at present may deter many young girls from making a career in the saddle.

“There are not many successful female jockeys around; therefore there are a lack of role models for young girls to be encouraged and inspired by,” said apprentice flat jockey, Brian Toomey.

Brian also believed that additional reasons were at play as to why females may be deterred from the sport. “There are only a small number of women wanting to take out their professional licenses and I think they may be deterred because of the danger and risk associated with the sport.”

“Danger element”

Racehorse trainer Brendon Powell believes that this shortage of female numbers may indeed be explained through the amount of injuries and accidents that occur in racing. “The danger element is a factor. Jane Thompson was killed at Sedgefield. Sharon Murgatroyd had a bad fall at Bangor and was paralysed.

“For some reason there’s been quite a few women taking horrible falls. It could definitely deter women from entering into the sport,” expresses Brendon.

Statistics suggest that for the small amount of female jockeys that ride there have been a large number of tragic accidents. Although accidents also occur in other equestrian events but women are not deterred from these sports.

“Splat”

Many reasons are suggested for these bad accidents, some say women fall differently, some claim it is the way their bodies are made.

“Women have to be tough, they may have weaker bodies, or maybe because of the way they fall they actually experience much worse falls than a male would,” says Brian.

Racing broadcaster, Luke Harvey said, “Many reasons have been given for why women fall differently.  It has been said they splat on the ground whereas men roll up into a ball quickly as they have a vested interest to protect certain parts of their bodies!”

 “Conscience”

Owners and trainers may be reluctant to give female jockeys, particularly those in jump racing, rides because they may be worried about this threat of bad falls on their conscience.

However racehorse owner Brian Savage does not share this view.  “I have often put up female jockeys on my horses, obviously you want both horse and jockey to come back safe every time, but I would feel exactly the same if a male jockey was on board.”