The British Horseracing Authority has said they will enhance opportunities for female jockeys after a study revealed there is no difference in the abilities of male and female jockeys.
Despite the success of such female jockeys as Bryony Frost and Josephine Gordon, opportunities for female jockeys continue to be limited.
Studying a 14 year time-span, the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA at the University of Liverpool found that just 5.2% of available rides were taken by female jockeys. In addition, just 11.3% of all professional jockey licenses are held by women.
Using statistical analysis, the researchers determined that once the standard of the horse is considered, there is no visible difference between the results of male jockeys and female jockeys.
Study team member Vanessa Cashmore said:
“This study strongly indicates that female jockeys are every bit as good as their male counterparts. I hope it helps to provide more opportunities for female jockeys, and also encourages more women to further their careers as race riders.”
In response to the study, BHA chief executive Nick Rust said:
“This study provides further evidence towards something that many in the industry have felt for some time — that there is no reason why female jockeys should not be considered as good as their male counterparts.
“We are proud that British racing is one of the few sports where men and women can compete on equal terms.
“However, if female jockeys are not being given the same opportunities as the men, then this cannot be considered as equality.”
With regards to how the BHA would begin to address the inequality embedded within the sport, Rust said:
“Understanding why there are fewer female jockeys than male, and why those jockeys get fewer rides than the men — in particular in higher profile races — is something that we are determined to address, and will be considered by the sport’s dedicated Diversity in Racing Steering Group.”
