Carlisle hosts world’s first race meeting for lady jockeys

Girls take centre stage at Carlisle racecourse next month — for the world’s first race meeting for lady jockeys.

All six races on the card on Monday 1 August are for female-only professionals, amateurs and apprentices.

The concept — thought up by Jockey Club Racecourses’ John Baker — is designed to promote the girls’ skills to the wider public and raise money for Breast Cancer Care and the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Leading Flat jockeys Hayley Turner, Sophie Doyle and Laura Pike will be riding.

Hayley said: “I hope this unique night will encourage more women into racing.”

And Sophie added: “Hopefully, some big-name trainers will fill the entries and help towards a great cause.”

Racing will be followed by a concert by X Factor winner Alexandra Burke. Tickets are priced from £13.60.

For more information visit www.carlisle-races.co.uk

This new story was first published in Horse & Hound (21 July, 2011)

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