The Grand National is a legendary horse race which takes place every year in Aintree, England. It is one of the most famous and prestigious horse races in the world, and it attracts riders from all over the globe. The race has been running for over 150 years, and it has been a mainstay in the British sporting calendar since its inception. But has a female jockey ever won the Grand National? In this article, we will explore the history of female jockeys in the Grand National, and look at whether a female jockey has ever won the race.
History of Female Jockeys in the Grand National
The Grand National was founded in 1839, and for the first few decades of its existence, the race was exclusively for male jockeys. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the first female jockey, Charlotte Brew, was allowed to take part in the race. However, Charlotte was not allowed to compete in the official race and instead rode in a demonstration event.
In 1977, the first female jockey to compete in the official Grand National race was Geraldine Rees. She became the first female jockey to finish the race, completing the course in sixth place. This was a major milestone, and it helped to pave the way for other female jockeys to compete in the race.
Notable Female Jockeys in the Grand National
Since Geraldine Rees’ pioneering ride in 1977, a number of other female jockeys have competed in the Grand National. Here are some of the most notable female jockeys who have taken part in the race:
- Geraldine Rees: The first female jockey to compete in the Grand National. She finished in sixth place, and is remembered for breaking down barriers for female jockeys in the race.
- Ruth Jefferson: The first female jockey to win a race at Aintree, when she rode to victory in the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase in 2016. She is also the first female jockey to ride in the Grand National since Charlotte Brew.
- Katie Walsh: The first female jockey to finish in the top three in the Grand National. She finished third in 2012, and is one of the most successful female jockeys in the race.
- Bryony Frost: The first female jockey to win a Grade 1 race over the Grand National fences, when she rode to victory in the 2020 Becher Chase.
- Tabitha Worsley: The current female jockey record holder for the Grand National, with her best finish being fourth in 2019.
Has a Female Jockey Ever Won the Grand National?
Despite the progress made by female jockeys in the Grand National, no female jockey has yet to win the race. The closest any female jockey has come to winning was when Katie Walsh finished third in 2012, but no female jockey has yet to cross the line first.
Barriers to Female Jockeys Winning the Grand National
There are a number of barriers which prevent female jockeys from winning the Grand National. Firstly, most top female jockeys tend to focus on smaller races, as the Grand National is a long and arduous race which requires a high level of skill and stamina.
Secondly, female jockeys are often at a physical disadvantage when competing in the race, as they tend to be lighter than their male counterparts. This can give them an advantage in some races, but it can be a big disadvantage in the Grand National, where the horses need to carry a large weight in order to give them the best chance of success.
Finally, the Grand National is a very competitive race, and female jockeys often find themselves up against more experienced and better-funded male riders. This can make it difficult for female jockeys to win the race, as they may lack the resources to compete against the top riders.
Will a Female Jockey Ever Win the Grand National?
In recent years, there have been a number of encouraging signs that suggest a female jockey could one day win the Grand National. Firstly, the number of female jockeys competing in the race has increased significantly in recent years, with a record five female jockeys taking part in the 2019 race.
Secondly, female jockeys have had some success in the race, with Katie Walsh finishing third in 2012 and Tabitha Worsley finishing fourth in 2019. This suggests that female jockeys have the ability to compete at the highest level and could one day win the race.
Finally, female jockeys are increasingly being given the opportunity to ride in the race, with a number of high-profile female jockeys taking part in recent years. This suggests that female jockeys are being taken more seriously by the racing establishment, and that they could one day go on to win the race.
Conclusion
The Grand National is one of the most famous and prestigious horse races in the world, and it has been running for over 150 years. Although female jockeys have been competing in the race since the 1960s, no female jockey has yet to win the event. However, there are a number of encouraging signs that suggest a female jockey could one day win the race, including the increasing participation of female jockeys in the race and the success that some female jockeys have had in the event.
References
BBC
- Frost, H. (2020) Bryony Frost becomes the first female jockey to win a Grade One race over the Grand National fences. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/50341743 (Accessed: 14 April 2021).
- Young, J. (2020) Women riders take Grand National step forward. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/47120834 (Accessed: 14 April 2021).
Racing Post
- Wilkinson, S. (2016) Ruth Jefferson becomes first female jockey to win at Aintree. Available at: https://www.racingpost.com/news/ruth-jefferson-becomes-first-female-jockey-to-win-at-aintree/188401 (Accessed: 14 April 2021).