The Industry Column – Kate Miller

Kate Miller, Head of Racing at William Hill, is just one of a host of women blazing a trail in the formerly male-dominated world of racing.

From BBC flag-bearer Clare Balding to Racing UK’s Lydia Hislop, never before have women been more strongly-represented throughout the horse racing industry. As you flick through the racing television channels, rarely is there a time when the fairer sex is not represented on-screen, with many occupying high-profile management positions within the Sport of Kings.

Only last year, leading lady Flat jockey Hayley Turner made history by becoming the first female jockey to win a Group One race outright with victory in the July Cup. And one just wasn’t enough for Turner. Fresh from winning her first success at the highest level, she triumphed in her second Group One race in as many months with victory in the Nunthorpe at York. Her rise to prominence to become not only Flat racing’s top female jockey – but one to rival if not better her male counterparts – has led to an influx of up-and-coming lady riders who are racking up the racetrack successes.

It’s not only the Flat females that are putting it up to the boys – only last month Katie Walsh became the most successful lady jockey in the Grand National – by becoming the highest-placed woman in the history of the race – on her first attempt! 

And away from the world’s most famous race, Lucy Alexander, who is just 21, this year became the winning-most female jockey in a British jumps season, boasting 37 successes at time of writing.

One close to our hearts here at William Hill is Amy Starkey, former Managing Director of Kempton Park, with whom we had the pleasure of working during our long-term sponsorships at the Sunbury venue. Amy has worked her way through the ranks of racecourse management, recently taking up a position as MD of premier racecourse Newmarket – famous as the Headquarters of racing in Britain. We’re sure she has plans to rule the world at some stage.

Women continue to break boundaries in what has always seen to be a heavily male-dominated sport. Julia Budd recently ended a tradition of 261 years when she became The Jockey Club’s first female steward. Julia has broad involvements in the Industry, as does Rachel Hood – who, judging by her extensive achievements certainly won’t be content to be known simply as ‘wife of trainer John Gosden’.

Women in sport will continue to rise across all ranks. In management, governance, and at the forefront itself. The Olympics in London this year will prove another seminal moment, with new role models found, and a new generation inspired. 

Since I was a small child the prominence of women in all walks of life has grown significantly. What was once unique has now become commonplace. Women like Hayley Turner, Nina Carberry, and top Greyhound Trainer Dolores Ruth can no longer fear a stigma for tackling male-dominated pursuits and seeking success. Long may it continue.

The Final of the 2012 williamhill.com Greyhound Derby takes place on Saturday 26th May at London Wimbledon Stadium.