Bell hoping to start with a bang in female rider competition

The Silk Series, an Arena Racing Company £100,000 initiative to promote opportunities for female riders, kicks off on Friday at Lingfield with Sammy Jo Bell hoping to steal a march on her rivals in the nine-race series.

With 20 points for a win, 16 for second, 12 for third, eight for fourth, four for fifth and two for sixth, female riders will compete on designated ladies’ days throughout the year with the Tufnell Trophy – named after Britain’s first female champion jockey Meriel Tufnell – presented to the leading rider after the £20,000 final at Doncaster on ladies’ day of the St Leger meeting on September 14.

Arc’s director of external affairs, Susannah Gill, said: “It is very exciting. It was designed to give female jockeys a chance to promote themselves and to bring another dynamic to ladies’ days – to bring a focus on to the racing as well as the occasion.

Arc’s director of external affairs, Susannah Gill, said: “It is very exciting. It was designed to give female jockeys a chance to promote themselves and to bring another dynamic to ladies’ days – to bring a focus on to the racing as well as the occasion.

"The BHA have supported us in helping to get the series off the ground and we're working with Cancer Research UK – and bet365 as betting partners – and hopefully we can build on it year on year and, in five years time, it'll be embedded in the summer season."

Bell will be one of the go-to riders throughout the series, along with last year’s champion apprentice Josephine Gordon.

Bell, who rides Tavener for David Griffiths in the Silk Series Lady Riders’ Handicap (5.30), said: “It’s a great opportunity and I’m delighted to be riding in the first race of the series. You have the hands-and-heels series for apprentices and this gives the girls a chance to ride for people they don’t normally ride for.”

She added: “Tavener is in fantastic form and looks a good ride. He won at Musselburgh last week, so I’m hoping to make a strong start.”