A £20,000 development award for female jockeys has returned for 2017.
The Jockey Club Racecourses North West (JCRNW) award has returned for the second year, with local Olympic Gold Medallist, Sam Quek supporting the award as the JCRNW ambassador.
The award is designed to provide an opportunity for personal development and professional support for female jockeys in their racing career.
This year, the award will be presented to the female jockey who rides the winner at Carlisle’s #AmazingMonday fixture on 7 August; and then goes on to win the Betfred Ladies’ Trophy Handicap Stakes at Haydock Park on 12 August.
Last year’s inaugural awards saw Emma Sayer successfully cross the finish line in a nail-biting finish against Rachel Richardson.
Speaking about how the award had changed her life, Sayer said, “The development award is a great initiative put on by Jockey Club Racecourses North West.”
“It’s fantastic to see racecourses supporting both amateur and professional jockeys.”
“Crossing the finish line was such a surreal feeling – I’ve never saluted when passing the Winning Post before, the adrenaline I had was a moment I’ll never forget!”
“It would be fabulous to see another jockey win the award as it provides invaluable support to females within the sport.”
“For me, it has allowed me to buy a mechanical horse to prep for races, racing equipment and I am going to undertake trainer’s modules soon.”
JCRNW ambassador, Quek said, “It’s fantastic to be an ambassador for JCRNW and an honour to be asked to support such a great initiative.”
“Being a sportswoman myself, I know how beneficial and unique this opportunity to a female jockey is, and, an award that could open many doors to young lady riders.”
The development award and the new female-only Ladies Trophy at Haydock are two new exciting initiatives by Jockey Club Racecourses NW to raise the profile of women in racing.
John Baker, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses North West, said, “Jockey Club Racecourses North West is dedicated to supporting and promoting enhancing women in sport and business and we’re excited to provide the opportunity to a highly talented jockey for the second consecutive year.”
“We look forward to seeing female jockeys compete for the unique £20,000 development prize this summer and hope the award is a great step forward to supporting someone’s career in racing.”
