Ladies in Racing

In 1972, racing saw a woman as Champion Jockey for the first time in history - albeit a champion after a season of races limited to her own sex - but nevertheless yet another milestone signifying women's increasing role in the so-called 'sport of kings'. Referring back as far as Queen Elizabeth I, and continuing with Queen Anne, whose exploits when following the chase were said to have terrified her attendants, Caroline Ramsden has traced the long and fascinating history of women's participation in the sport to the present day. Women owners have now annexed most of the coveted racing prizes, both on the flat and over jumps, and as breeders have registered considerable successes which include the Classics; ladies have further established themselves as trainers and have frequently scaled the dizzy heights of the number one positions among the elite in the unsaddling enclosures. And now that women have invaded the weighing room via their licences to ride as registered jockeys there seem few fields left to conquer. Although membership of the Jockey Club is denied them, women have clearly taken a growing share of responsibility for the day-to-day administration of racing and their efforts, both individually and collectively, have combined to make their role an integral and indispensable part of the modern racing scene. Caroline Ramsden has herself enjoyed a varied and active association with racing in all its aspects and is able to write with first-hand experience of many of the personalities and events mentioned in her book. Her father was Chairman of the Manchester Racecourse Company, and her recollections and carefully researched documentation complete a highly readable portrayal of the very special contribution made to the turf by the ladies in racing.