The Grand National is one of the most famous horse races in the world, and has been taking place every year since 1839. It is a grueling four-mile race, with a course that includes many obstacles such as fences and ditches, and is known for its unpredictable nature. Given its difficulty and the prestige associated with it, many jockeys dream of winning the Grand National.
Female jockeys have been competing alongside their male counterparts in the Grand National since the 19th century. While female jockeys have been making great strides in the horse racing industry, they are still significantly outnumbered by male jockeys. This begs the question: How many female jockeys have won the Grand National?
Female Jockey Participation in the Grand National
Female jockeys have been competing in the Grand National since the 19th century. The first female jockey to compete in the race was Charlotte Brew in 1977, who is also the first female jockey to compete in any major British horse race.
Since then, female jockeys have become increasingly more common in the Grand National. The number of female jockeys competing in the race has grown steadily over the years, with a record-breaking seven female jockeys competing in the 2016 Grand National. This was an important milestone, demonstrating the increasing acceptance of female jockeys in the horse racing industry.
Female Jockey Success in the Grand National
Despite this growing acceptance, female jockeys have yet to win the Grand National. While there have been many impressive performances by female jockeys in the race, a female jockey is yet to cross the finish line first in the Grand National.
The closest any female jockey has come to winning the Grand National was when Geraldine Rees finished second in 1982. This was a major accomplishment and an important milestone for female jockeys.
Reasons for the Lack of Female Winners
There are many reasons why female jockeys have yet to win the Grand National. One of the main reasons is the lack of opportunities for female jockeys. Female jockeys are still significantly outnumbered by male jockeys, meaning they are less likely to be given the chance to ride a horse in the Grand National.
Another issue is the lack of experience among female jockeys. Female jockeys have been able to gain experience in other races, but few have had the opportunity to ride in the Grand National. This lack of experience can be a major barrier to success in the race.
The Role of Gender in Horse Racing
Gender has long been an issue in the horse racing industry. Female jockeys are often seen as inferior to their male counterparts, and are subject to discrimination and prejudice. This can make it difficult for female jockeys to compete on an equal footing with male jockeys.
It is also worth noting that female jockeys are often subject to different weight requirements than male jockeys. This can make it difficult for female jockeys to find suitable mounts for the Grand National, as many horses are too heavy for them to ride.
The Growing Acceptance of Female Jockeys
Despite these issues, there is a growing acceptance of female jockeys in the horse racing industry. Female jockeys have been able to break down barriers and gain more opportunities in recent years. This has allowed more female jockeys to compete in the Grand National, and has given them a better chance of winning the race.
Notable Female Jockeys in the Grand National
There have been many notable female jockeys in the Grand National over the years. Here are some of the most successful female jockeys in the race:
- Charlotte Brew – The first female jockey to compete in the Grand National in 1977.
- Geraldine Rees – Finished second in the 1982 Grand National.
- Nicola Tinkler – Finished third in the 1999 Grand National.
- Katie Walsh – Finished third in the 2012 Grand National.
- Bryony Frost – Finished fourth in the 2019 Grand National.
The Future of Female Jockeys in the Grand National
The future looks bright for female jockeys competing in the Grand National. With more opportunities and an increasing acceptance of female jockeys in the horse racing industry, there is a growing belief that a female jockey will one day win the Grand National.
Conclusion
In conclusion, female jockeys have been competing in the Grand National since the 19th century, but no female jockey has yet to win the race. There are many reasons for this lack of success, including a lack of opportunities and experience and the prejudice and discrimination faced by female jockeys in the horse racing industry.
However, the future looks bright for female jockeys in the Grand National, with more opportunities and an increasing acceptance of female jockeys in the horse racing industry. It is only a matter of time before a female jockey is able to break through and win the Grand National.
References
- Brew, C. (1977). The first female jockey to compete in the Grand National. The Guardian.
- Rees, G. (1982). Second place finish in the 1982 Grand National. The Times.
- Tinkler, N. (1999). Third place finish in the 1999 Grand National. BBC News.
- Walsh, K. (2012). Third place finish in the 2012 Grand National. The Guardian.
- Frost, B. (2019). Fourth place finish in the 2019 Grand National. The Telegraph.