'Sorry, the owners don't like girls' - are women still being held back?

In recent years, a small band of outstanding female jockeys have made an enormous impact on British and Irish racing, winning the biggest races and commanding respect from all corners of the sport.

Last year, Hollie Doyle became the first woman to ride the winner of a European Classic with Group 1 status on Nashwa, that success in the Prix de Diane figuring among four top-level victories. She also managed a fourth successive century of winners in Britain and finished joint-second in the championship behind William Buick.

Rachael Blackmore was crowned top jockey at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, a meeting when she won the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle and posted a further five winners. Just a month later, she became the first woman to win the Grand National aboard Minella Times.