Could you be racing’s first female voice?

Are you a silver-tongued lady who fancies herself as the next Sir Peter O’Sullevan?

Racing is looking for a woman with dulcet tones to become Britain’s first female commentator in the sport.

In a male-dominated world, www.lovetheraces.com, part of Racing for Change’s initiative to increase a diverse audience to racing, has decided the time has come for a more feminine touch.

A nationwide search is now on to find a female race-caller — who will commentate live at Ascot on 24 July.

They will also win £2,500 and a place on a racing industry commentary course.

“We’re seeing an increasing number of female trainers and jockeys competing at the top of the profession, so why not from the top of the grandstand in the commentator’s box?’’ said spokesman Rod Street.

Wannabe callers can practise on the “commentary karaoke” section of the website before recording an entry.

There’s also advice on how to excel in the commentary box — from swotting up on colours, runners and riders, to hints on how to create excitement while keeping clarity.

Semi-finalists will then be put through their paces at Bath and Doncaster this summer.

Entries close at 5pm on 21 May. For more information visit www.lovetheraces.com.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (19 May, 2011)

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