International Women’s Day 2024

2023, 2017, 2013, 2009, 1995 and 1983 are all years the world’s most famous steeplechase race, the Aintree Grand National, has been won by horses trained by female racehorse trainers.

• In 2023 the winner of the Aintree Grand National, Corach Rambler, was trained by Lucinda Russell
• In 2017 the winner of the Aintree Grand National, One For Arthur, was trained by Lucinda Russell
• In 2013 the winner of the Aintree Grand National, Auroras Encore, was trained by Sue Smith
• In 2009 the winner of the Aintree Grand National, Mon Mome, was trained by Venetia Williams
• In 1995 the winner of the Aintree Grand National, Royal Athlete, was trained by Jenny Pitman
• In 1983 the winner of the Aintree Grand National, Corbiere, was trained by Jenny Pitman

It has long been acknowledged that women trained racehorses for many years before the High Court gave female racehorse trainers legal recognition; before this time, they were forced to employ men to hold a Jockey Club trainers’ licence on their behalf or to have licences in their husbands’ names. However, on 28 July 1966, and after working peacefully to redress such injustices to her sex, Miss Florence Nagle became the first woman to be granted a trainer’s licence. On the same day, Miss Norah Wilmot was also granted a trainer’s licence.

Just one week later, on 03 August 1966, Miss Norah Wilmot became the first licensed woman trainer to saddle a winner when Pat won the South Coast Stakes at Brighton Racecourse. By the end of August 1966, another three women had joined the training ranks.

Fast-forward to 2024 and there are approximately 88 female racehorse trainers in the UK; put another way, 21.2% of UK trainers are women. Much progress has been made and continues to be made, and today female trainers have found the pathway much easier for the pioneers who came before them.

International Women’s Day allows us to show our appreciation and pay tribute to female champions within horseracing. As a sport, horseracing is uniquely privileged to have so many fantastic women participate both on and off the track.

International Women’s Day 2024 #IWDInspire #InspireInclusion