Horse racing tips Talking Horses Talking Horses: Why gender equality is a mile off for British racing The Derby proves that trainers and owners in this country are unwilling to use a female jockey when it matters most Hayley Turner won top-class races in Britain and the US but was given just one mount in the Derby. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesWednesday’s best bets, by Chris CookPersonally, I don’t need to be persuaded that a female jockey can be as good as any male jockey. Nick Rust, chief executive of the BHA, has gone so far as to suggest there could be a female champion jockey in the next five years. When the stakes are highest, trainers and owners in this country have proved again and again that they want a male jockey. But in terms of our willingness to give women chances in the very best races, British racing is moving at a glacial pace and we will not reach equality of opportunity in my lifetime.

Source: The Guardian January 31, 2018 11:27 UTC