Opinion has never been more divided following the decision of France-Galop to introduce a 2kg (4.4lb) weight allowance for female jockeys from next month. The allowance will cover around 90 per cent of the French calendar, but will not include all Listed and Group races, a decision which baffles Lizzie Kelly – the first woman to ride a Grade 1 winner over jumps in Britain.
Kelly told reporters: “So we’re weak in normal races and then just as strong in Group races. That makes no sense. It has to be across the board or not at all. We’re either 4lb weaker or not. It takes away the change’s credibility.”
While the announcement has caused much debate, neither the British Horseracing Authority or Ireland’s Turf Club plan to replicate the move any time soon. National Trainers Federation chief executive Rupert Arnold expects much debate between his members, saying: “When we discussed this at the NTF one idea we came up with was rather than an allowance it would be worth looking at extending the number of rides required to ride out their claim.”
Denis Egan, chief executive at the Turf Club of Ireland told the Irish Times: “There are no plans to replicate it. There is a European doctors’ meeting at the end of February, where I’d imagine it will be up for discussion.” Irish Jockeys Association spokesman Andrew Coonan feels the move could be unfair towards male riders, saying: “It’s anti-competitive and any male jockey would be entitled to feel it is discriminatory against him.” Leading Irish conditional jockey Rachel Blackmore is more open about the prospect, telling the Irish Times: If anyone’s going to give me an allowance, I’m not going to say no.”
Britain’s most successful female rider Hayley Turner told ITV4’s Opening Show that she would even contemplate coming out of retirement should the measure come into force across the board, saying: “If someone gives you a £20 note you take it, so probably yes. Business-wise I’ve got to think I’d come back.” Not so convinced is champion apprentice Josephine Gordon who described the news as “insulting“ for female jockeys.
Horseracing is one of the few sports where both sexes, human and equine, compete on equal terms. But not quite! Last year’s Champion Hurdle was won by Annie Power who was receiving a handy 7lb mares allowance. Probably not enough to have affected the result but significant all the same. With the Flat turf season only a few weeks away now it will be interesting to see how many British/Irish female jockeys decide to exploit the opportunity by trying their luck in a different country?
It will be wise to follow the issue, as well as the outspoken female riders in the near future races. Although Annie Power is out of the festival due to a knee injury, Lizzie Kelly will be riding Tea For Two in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. For more updates as bell as promotions and betting offers, visit Free bets for Cheltenham 2017 by freebets.uk, as there are constant updates and changes.