Megan Nicholls hoping to continue winning habit on unique Carlisle card

Evening racing at Carlisle on Monday is all about the ladies, both on and off the track, as the exclusive meeting has attracted the top professional and amateur riders in seven races exclusively for them.

Hayley Turner, who won the inaugural trophy for the most successful rider at the opening 2014 meeting, is back along with last year's Silk Series winner Megan Nicholls and fellow apprentice Nicola Currie to take on leading amateurs including Serena Brotherton, Joanna Mason and Emily Easterby.

Nicholls, who is in the lead to defend her Silk Series title after two wins in the last week, has four booked rides and hopes to add to her one winner at the meeting, which gets under way at 5.40.

"I rode a winner for Mr Swinbank a few years ago and have chances with my four rides, starting with B Fifty Two for Marjorie Fife.

"He should appreciate the drop back to five furlongs after not quite getting home over six in his last two races."

Megan Nicholls: excited to ride at CarlisleCredit: Mark Cranham

Fife, who herself has five runners on the card, added: "I always support the evening as I like the give them the chance as well as myself as it is hard enough for ladies to get the opportunities.

"Most of mine could do with some more rain up there. Perfect Words and My Amigo both have chances.

"My Amigo ran a blinder in sixth in the Stewards' Cup consolation at Goodwood and Perfect Words will hopefully run a nice race as he has run well there.

"Becky Smith, who rides them both, is a strong rider and has ridden some winners for me, including Luv U Whatever."

Nicholls, who has ridden seven winners this season to take her career score to 40, is looking forward to returning for the ladies only night.

Marjorie Fife (right) is keen to support the unique cardCredit: Grossick Racing Photography

"I have ridden there for the last few years and really enjoy the meeting – the racecourse is packed and so is the weighing room – and it's great owners and trainers support it."

Her other rides are for trainer Richard Fahey with Wirral Girl, Cadeau Magnifique and Golconda Prince.

Nicholls added: "I finished second on Cadeau Magnifique at Newcastle last week and if he can transfer that all-weather form to the turf he would be in with a shout.

"He ran really well, beaten by a well handicapper horse and we pulled clear of the field.

"Wirral Girl and Golconda Prince have been running consistently and have each-way chances."

ITV pundits Murtagh and Turner team up at Carlisle

Johnny Murtagh and Turner, part-time pundits on ITV Racing, team up with three horses and the trainer is confident of coming home with at least one winner.

Murtagh, who runs recent Fairyhouse winner Admiralty (6.15), the consistent Prosecution (7.15) and the progressive Circling Moon (8.15), said: "They all have great chances and hopefully we can be competitive in all the races. The races are set up well for them."

He added: "We’re delighted to have Hayley on board. It’s ladies’ day so surely she will be able to do the business on one of them."

Lisa O'Neill, one of the most popular amateur riders in Ireland, who has ridden many big-race winners for her employer Gordon Elliott, including aboard Tiger Roll at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival, has four rides.

O'Neill is on last year's winner Our Place In Loule in the opening 5f handicap, while two more winners from 2017 are also back with Cliff (6.15) and Diamonds A Dancing (8.45) bidding for repeats in their races.

Carlisle, expecting another full house, has hit upon a winning formula with this unique ladies' only evening meeting, sponsored by Smarkets, and featuring a post-racing DJ set from former Spice Girl Melanie C, as well as a £2,000 prize in the best-dressed stakes.

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