Ascot stages Silk Series race for the first time as Nicholls eyes hat-trick bid

The finale at Ascot on Saturday marks the return of the £150,000 Silk Series with 15 races during the summer specifically for female jockeys.

Riders will be competing for points for the first time at Ascot and Chester, who have joined nine Arena Racing Company-owned tracks and Goodwood, Hamilton, Musselburgh and York in hosting a Silk Series contest.

Inaugurated in 2017 the Tufnell Trophy, named in honour of Meriel Tufnell, the first female jockey to ride a winner under rules in Britain at Kempton in 1972, has been landed by apprentice Megan Nicholls in the first two years.

Nicholls, who has two rides at Ascot but no mount in the series opener, said: "I'll definitely be trying to go for it for a third time. I'm looking forward to being part of it again."

The final race will take place at Doncaster on September 12 with the series continuing its support for Cancer Research UK by donating £1 from all tickets sold at Arc fixtures hosting the Silk Series.

5.45 Ascot card

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