Hayley Turner

Hayley TurnerFemale jockey Hayley Turner retired from race-riding after 15 years in the saddle in November 2015. As one of the most successful female jockeys of all time, she secured 100 wins in 2008, the first lady to achieve the century.

She made her racing debut in March 2000 at Southwell and recorded her first winner at Pontefract aboard Generate. In 2005, Hayley started as apprentice to Derby-winning trainer Michael Bell — in the same year she rode 44 winners and took the champion apprentice title.

Her most notable triumphs include her victory in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, Beverley D. Stakes at Arlington Park and July Cup on Dream Ahead at Newmarket.

In March 2009, an accident on the gallops left her with a serious head injury. She was suspended on medical grounds for a year — later reduced after a successful appeal. She also suffered back and pelvic injuries in a fall from Seal Of Approval at Doncaster in 2013. She later revealed she had lost confidence as a result of this accident.

Taking to the saddle on a slightly more sizeable mount, Hayley also took part in H&H’s gift rides series in 2010. Despite being a mere 5ft3in, she was legged up on Robert Oliver’s 17.2hh heavyweight hunter Loughkeen Dancing Lord.