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Horse racing has long been considered a male-dominated sport, but over the years, female jockeys have broken barriers and proven themselves as formidable competitors on the track. From historic victories to groundbreaking achievements, these women have redefined what it means to be a champion in the racing world. Here’s a look at some of the best female jockeys of all time and their most remarkable wins.

1. Julie Krone – The First Woman to Win a Triple Crown Race

Julie Krone is one of the most accomplished female jockeys in history. She made history in 1993 by becoming the first woman to win a Triple Crown race when she rode Colonial Affair to victory in the Belmont Stakes. Over her career, she secured more than 3,700 wins and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 2000.

Greatest Win: 1993 Belmont Stakes

Krone’s victory aboard Colonial Affair was a defining moment in horse racing, proving that female jockeys could compete and win at the highest levels. This win solidified her reputation and encouraged more women to enter the sport, despite the challenges they faced in a male-dominated industry. Krone’s perseverance and talent opened doors for many aspiring female jockeys.

2. Hayley Turner – The Trailblazer for British Female Jockeys

Hayley Turner is one of the most successful female jockeys in British horse racing. She became the first woman to ride 100 winners in a calendar year in the UK and has since inspired many young women to pursue careers in the sport.

Greatest Win: 2011 July Cup

Turner became the first woman to win a British Group 1 race when she rode Dream Ahead to victory in the July Cup at Newmarket, breaking new ground for female riders in the UK. Turner has also competed internationally and proven that female jockeys can achieve consistent success at the highest levels. Her career is a testament to the growing acceptance and recognition of women in horse racing.

3. Chantal Sutherland – The Canadian Star

Chantal Sutherland is a highly successful jockey known for her wins in both Canada and the United States. Often compared to Julie Krone, Sutherland has competed in some of the biggest races in North America. Her career spans several decades, and she has been an ambassador for women in the sport, showing that female jockeys can succeed against top male competitors.

Greatest Win: 2012 Santa Anita Handicap

Riding Game On Dude, Sutherland became the first female jockey to win the Santa Anita Handicap, one of the most prestigious races in the United States. This victory further demonstrated that women could handle the pressure of high-stakes racing and succeed at the highest level of competition.

4. Rosie Napravnik – Dominating the Kentucky Circuit

Rosie Napravnik emerged as one of the most dominant female jockeys in recent history. She was the first woman to win the Kentucky Oaks twice and the highest-earning female jockey in American history. Napravnik’s career has been filled with record-breaking achievements, and her skill on the track made her a fan favorite.

Greatest Win: 2012 & 2014 Kentucky Oaks

Napravnik won the Kentucky Oaks with Believe You Can in 2012 and Untapable in 2014, cementing her reputation as one of the best female jockeys in the sport. Her ability to navigate competitive races and make decisive moves in crucial moments showcased her exceptional talent and strategic mindset.

5. Hollie Doyle – The Rising Star

Hollie Doyle is a modern-day powerhouse in horse racing. She has shattered multiple records in the UK and continues to push the boundaries for female jockeys. Her dedication, hard work, and resilience have earned her respect in the industry, and she continues to set new benchmarks for women in horse racing.

Greatest Win: 2020 British Champions Sprint Stakes

Doyle made history when she won the British Champions Sprint Stakes on Glen Shiel, becoming the first female jockey to win a race on British Champions Day. This win, along with her numerous other achievements, proves that female jockeys are not only competitive but capable of excelling at the highest level of horse racing.

The Impact of Female Jockeys in Horse Racing

The success of these incredible female jockeys has paved the way for future generations of women in the sport. Their victories have not only earned them recognition but have also proven that skill, determination, and perseverance matter more than gender in horse racing.

The Challenges They Faced

Despite their success, female jockeys have had to overcome significant challenges, including:

• Limited opportunities – Women were historically denied chances to ride in major races.

• Stereotypes and bias – Many believed that female jockeys were not strong enough to handle the physical demands of the sport.

• Lack of mentorship – Early female jockeys had few role models or mentors to guide them.

The Progress in Women’s Horse Racing

Thanks to pioneers like Julie Krone, Hayley Turner, and Rosie Napravnik, the racing industry is gradually becoming more inclusive. Today, more women are entering the sport, and race organizers are offering more opportunities for female jockeys to compete in prestigious races.

The Future of Women in Horse Racing

The future looks bright for female jockeys as the industry continues to evolve. Here are some promising signs for the next generation:

• More Women Entering the Sport – The number of female jockeys is increasing worldwide, and more women are securing top rides in major races.

• Increased Support and Sponsorships – As the achievements of female jockeys gain recognition, sponsors and investors are supporting them more than ever.

• Breaking More Records – With continued dedication and talent, female jockeys are expected to set new records and redefine the standards of excellence in horse racing.

Conclusion

The contributions of female jockeys to horse racing are undeniable. From Julie Krone’s groundbreaking Belmont Stakes victory to Hollie Doyle’s record-breaking wins, these women have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their greatest wins are not just milestones in their careers but also significant moments in horse racing history. As more women continue to rise in the sport, the future looks bright for female jockeys worldwide.

By continuing to challenge norms and achieve greatness on the track, these exceptional women inspire a new generation of aspiring jockeys. Their impact extends beyond the racing world, proving that determination and talent can break barriers and reshape history. As female jockeys gain more recognition, we can expect even greater achievements in the years to come.

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The Triumph Hurdle has been a fixture of the Cheltenham Festival since 1968, but was inaugurated in 1939 at Hurst Park, where it continued until the closure of the Surrey course in 1962. Run over two miles and a furlong on the New Course and restricted to juvenile – that is, four-year-old – hurdlers, the race is currently scheduled as the opening race on the fifth and final day of the Cheltenham Festival, Gold Cup Day. The Grade 1 contest has been sponsored by J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB) since 2002.

The most prolific jockey in the history of the Triumph Hurdle remains Barry Geraghty, who retired from the saddle in 2020, with five winners to his name. Geraghty became stable jockey to Nicky Henderson following the retirement of the previous incumbent, Mick Fitzgerald, in August 2008 and remained in that position until June 2015, when he succeeded the recently-retired Tony McCoy as retained rider to high-profile owner John Patrick ‘J.P.’ McManus.

Gergaghty rode his first Triumph Hurdle winner, Spectroscope, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, in 2003. During his time as stable jockey at Seven Barrows, he rode three more, Zaynar in 2009, Soldatino in 2010 and Peace And Co in 2015. Finally, in the famous green and gold silks of McManus, he completed his quintet of wins on Ivanovich Gorbatov, trained by Aidan O’Brien, in 2016. For the sake of completeness, it may come as no surprise to learn that Nicky Henderson is the leading trainer in the history of the Triumph Hurdle, having saddled First Bout (1985), Alone Success (1987), Katarino (1999) and Pentland Hills (2019) in addition to the three winners previously mentioned.

At various points in his career, Kieren Fallon was stable jockey to three of the most successful trainers in the history of British racing, namely Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien. He rode a total of over 2,500 winners, including 16 Classic winners, and won the jockeys’ title six times, in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

However, his career was blighted by a succession of disciplinary setbacks, including repeated, lengthy bans for failed drug tests and prosecution – albeit without a conviction – for race fixing. Fallon retired in July, 2016, with Dr. Adrian McGoldrick, Chief Medical Officer to the Irish Turf Club, citing ‘severe depression’ as the principal reason for his doing so. Dr. McGoldrick added, ‘It’s an awful reflection on my own profession that it hasn’t been picked up sooner. He’s gone through three different doctors and the symptoms were never picked up.’

The incident in which Fallon pulled a fellow jockey from his horse occurred at Beverley on September 14, 1994. In the John Mangles Memorial Handicap, over an extended mile, Fallon rode Gymcrack Flyer, who weakened inside the final furlong to finish unplaced behind the winning favourite, Sailormate, who was completing a hat-trick. However, Fallon took exception to the winning jockey, Stuart Webster, grabbed him and dragged him from the saddle as he was pulling up. The pair subsequently emerged, bruised and bloody, from the weighing room to face the local stewards, who referred the original incident to Portman Square.

On June 2, 1994, Fallon had beaten Sailormate on Heart Broken, trained by Jimmy Fitzgerald, over six furlongs at Southwell, only to be disqualified and placed last after a stewards’ enquiry and an objection by the rider of the second, namely Webster. In any event, the Jockey Club took a dim view of his actions and banned him for six months for violent and improper conduct.

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival, unfolding from March 11-14 across 28 races, is set to deliver drama, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00 on Wednesday, March 12 carries a redemption arc that’s impossible to ignore—Jonbon’s at its beating heart. Nicky Henderson’s star chaser, boosted by Unibet from 4/5 to 11/10, faces a chorus of doubters after a rollercoaster festival record. In the Racing Post’s Unibet-sponsored preview, Henderson mounted a fierce defense, Nico de Boinville stoked the fire, and the panel—Tom Segal, Paul Kealy, Ed Nicholson—debated his shot at Wednesday glory. Can Jonbon, a nine-year-old with nine wins from 12 starts, finally quiet the skeptics and claim his crown?

The Cheltenham Curse: Doubts That Linger

Jonbon’s festival story is a bittersweet saga—glory tinged with grit. His 2022 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle romp—a five-length demolition over 2 miles—hinted at untouchable greatness, a British beacon under Henderson’s care. But last year’s Champion Chase flop—fifth behind El Fabiolo, trailing by 12 lengths—stung like a whip crack. “He’s got Cheltenham doubters to silence,” Ed Nicholson said, his voice carrying the weight of a punter’s lament, noting Jonbon’s “allergic reaction” to Prestbury Park’s unforgiving stage.

Paul Kealy piled on the pressure: “He’s not delivered here when it counts—last year was a wake-up call.” Yet his recent Kempton Christmas Chase romp over Matata—winning by a commanding six lengths—sparked fresh hope. Nico de Boinville called it “a statement,” his grin wide as he recalled Jonbon’s late surge. At 11/10, Unibet’s boost reflects a flicker of punter faith—but the question gnaws: can he crack the Cheltenham code over 13 fences and 2 miles? The curse lingers, a shadow he must shake.

Henderson’s Defense: A Trainer’s Unshakable Faith

Nicky Henderson isn’t hearing the noise—he’s drowning it out with conviction. “He’s not allergic to Cheltenham—rubbish,” he snapped during the preview, his tone sharp as a blade. Reeling off Jonbon’s local stats—a Grade 1 Shloer Chase win in 2022 by three lengths and a near-miss second in the 2023 Arkle, beaten a neck by El Fabiolo—Henderson built his case: “He’s been second here, won here—he’s fine.” His eight Champion Hurdle wins lend gravitas—he’s silenced doubters before.

That Kempton masterclass—beating Found A Fifty by six lengths over 2 miles 4 furlongs—bolsters the argument. “He’s in top nick—Wednesday’s his day,” Henderson declared, eyeing the Champion Chase’s 2-mile test with a glint of defiance. “There’s no chinks—he’s peaking now,” he added, brushing off last year’s stumble as a blip. Jonbon’s his mission—a redemption shot to prove the skeptics wrong, a trainer’s faith forged in fire and turf.

A Record Under Scrutiny: Form Meets Pressure

Jonbon’s resume dazzles—nine wins from 12 starts, five Grade 1s in the bag, a chaser with pace and power. But Cheltenham’s spotlight magnifies every misstep, turning brilliance into a question mark. Tom Segal hedged: “He’s class—pure class—but he’s got to prove it here, where it matters.” Kealy countered: “Kempton’s not the festival—Marine Nationale’s the threat, not Matata.” That Irish rival at 7/1 looms large, yet Jonbon’s latest run—clocking a sub-40-second final furlong—showed “no chinks,” per Henderson. Watch that form in action:

Energumene (15/2) is fading, El Fabiolo’s out of the mix—the door’s ajar, but pressure’s on. “He’s got the tools—now use them,” Nicholson mused, the stakes razor-sharp. Jonbon must seize this shot—13 fences, one chance.

The Field’s Challenge: Rivals in Waiting

Wednesday’s Champion Chase isn’t a solo act—it’s a gauntlet of raiders and rivals. Marine Nationale, Barry Connell’s unbeaten ace at 7/1, brings Irish grit—Kealy fancies him: “He’s got gears Jonbon hasn’t faced—electric pace.” Banbridge (9/1), a Joseph O’Brien hope, thrives on good ground—forecasts hint at drying turf by midweek, boosting his King George form. “He’s a stayer with speed—dangerous,” Segal said, though he’s skeptical: “Jonbon’s too quick—Marine’s untested at this level.”

Gaelic Warrior (7/1), Willie Mullins’ wildcard, and Solness (10/1) add depth—Jennings grinned, “It’s a scrum—wide open.” Nicholson’s market leans British: “Jonbon’s holding firm at 11/10—punters trust him over the Irish.” Dive into Cheltenham betting at Unibet—non-runner no bet keeps the 2-mile, 13-fence dash a punter’s playground. “He’s got to be perfect—rivals won’t wait,” Kealy warned, the field a crucible for redemption.

The Redemption Shot: Ground, Gears, and Glory

Ground could tip the scales—soft early favors Marine Nationale’s stamina, drying conditions suit Jonbon’s blistering speed. “He loves a quick surface—perfect by Wednesday,” Henderson said, banking on a forecast shift from good-to-soft to good. Nico nodded: “He’s built for it—flies when it firms.” Unibet’s 11/10 boost, part of their non-runner no bet offer, sweetens the deal—Nicholson grinned, “He’s driving turnover—punters smell a comeback.”

Segal’s on board: “He’s the one if he brings Kempton form—dominant there.” Kealy’s torn: “It’s his shot—but Marine’s gears could nick it.” The 2-mile test demands precision—13 fences, no room for error. “He’s got the class—now show the guts,” Nicholson said, the market humming with anticipation. Wednesday’s verdict hinges on Jonbon’s stride—redemption or relapse, it’s all on the line.

Silence or Surrender: The Final Fence

Will Jonbon rewrite his Cheltenham tale? Henderson’s adamant: “He’ll do it—I’d be amazed if he doesn’t.” Nico echoed: “He’s ready—doubters will eat their words, mark it.” Segal wants flair: “A win here cements him—legacy stuff.” On March 12, 16:00, 2 miles of Prestbury Park turf and 13 fences settle the score—redemption or another footnote in a bittersweet saga.

Britain’s faithful see a king reborn—Jennings mused, “He’s their hope—crowd’ll roar him home.” Ireland’s raiders see a target—Kealy countered, “Marine’s the dark horse—could spoil it.” With Unibet’s 11/10, back him now—Jonbon’s redemption shot is live. “It’s his moment—silence the noise or fade,” Segal said, torn between form and faith. Can he claim his crown and quiet the skeptics—or will Cheltenham’s curse strike again?