Women riders receive boost from a one-time male bastion

There could be another name added to the growing list of headline-making women in racing after events in the north-west in the first week of next month.

And, perhaps ironically, it is that former staunch stronghold of male dominance the Jockey Club providing the opportunity for women to advance their cause.

The north-west division of Jockey Club Racecourses came to London yesterday to spread the news of a £20,000 development prize to give a lady rider the chance of a big leg-up the ladder.