A retrograde step in the march for equality

The crux of this argument comes down to the fact France Galop believes female jockeys are at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts through lack of a Y chromosome.

It may try to sugarcoat that stance with statements that an allowance encouraging owners and trainers to use more female jockeys, passing the buck somewhat and blaming regular old chauvinism, but France Galop president Edouard de Rothschild's belief that there needs to be "compensation for the difference in physical strength" between male and female riders ensures there's no grey area (just pink and blue, apparently).

It is 2017, and that is an attitude many – likely most – will feel is both a retrograde step on the march to equality and downright insulting, especially when brought into effect by a body mostly governed by men. As we have seen in the wider world, decisions made for women by men are simply no longer acceptable to many.