Women are given more opportunities on the flat, because women can now do the low weights better than males, according to flat jockey, Simon Whitworth.

“Girls are becoming more predominant certainly as apprentices on the flat over males, because they can do the weights more easily, they are starting to be accepted,” claims Simon.

The majority of women have always been lighter than men, a self evident advantage in racing, yet they still do not appear to have the opportunities that the men do.

According to Simon another reason why girls are more accepted in this sphere of horseracing is because there is less risk of a fall and therefore less danger.

“Injuries are less”

“You have got to look at it from the point of view of the injuries, women cannot take the injuries, whereas on the flat the injuries are far less,” expresses Simon.

Some within the industry suggest female flat jockeys have boyish figures which helps fight the discrimination they may face suggesting they have the wrong body shape.

“Look like a lad”

“Most female flat jockeys from behind if they had their hair cut short would look like a man, their not your normal female figure,” says retired jump jockey, Victoria Roberts.

Flat racing does not require as much strength as jump racing which is why women could be as successful as men on the flat, is another idea suggested by Simon.

“Fibresand”

Simon says that certainly on a man made racetrack (made from fibresand) women could definitely have the same strength capabilities as men. “A grass track takes a lot more strength to ride around but on a man made track women can be as strong as men, no two ways about it.”