When we think of famous jockeys, many think of names such as Wille Carson, Lester Piggot, Bob Champion and Frankie Dettori etc… very male names. Indeed, for many years, the world of horse racing, particularly jockeys, was very male-dominated. However, things are changing and more female riders are starting to become well-known on the circuit.
Jockeys Geraldine Rees & Charlotte Brew
These days we are becoming more familiar with female names in the sport, as many people are now familiar with the leading ladies of horse racing such as Bryony Frost, Nina Carberry, Katie Walsh and Rachael Blackmore.
These are women that made huge strides into a very male-orientated sporting world - especially when Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey ever to win the Grand National, just a couple of years ago in 2021.
Before this, Grand National betting always favoured male riders. The best a female jockey had performed was Katie Walsh who went out as a favourite in 2012 when she rode Seabass and managed a very creditable 3rd place.
Even third place was a huge achievement at that time and was considered to be amongst the most memorable moments in the Grand National.
These two ladies, indeed are rightly lauded as incredible athletes and have made big inroads into the industry. However, let's not forget those ladies that managed to break a few glass ceilings in the sport before this. Here are some other female jockeys who also made a mark in the Grand National.
Charlotte Brew
Charlotte Brew made history in 1977 when she became the first woman to ride in the Grand National. Aged just 21 years old, she rode her own 12-year-old horse, Barony Fort, with odds of 200/1. She was doing very well until her horse refused to jump four fences from the end.
Previous to this, she had managed one circuit at the Aintree course in 1976, playing fourth in the Fox Hunter’s Chase.
Unfortunately, her achievement was somewhat overshadowed by the legendary Red Rum winning his third Grand National victory, but his trainer was quick to air his none-too-complimentary views on female jockeys in the Grand National.
It’s also worth noting that the only reason she could compete in the race was because of the 1975 passing of the Sex Discrimination Act. She went on to enter the race again in 1982 but was unseated by her horse Martinstown at the third fence.
Jenny Hembrow
Two years after the debut female jockey, Jenny Hembrow rode the horse Sandwilan in the 1979 Grand National, although didn’t make much of a mark and didn’t really advance the cause of female jockeys.
Sandwilan was given the bottom weight and odds of 100/1 - and unfortunately fell at the first hurdle, literally. This gave those that were anti-female jockeys a lot of ammunition. She did try again the following year on the same horse and although she started well, she pulled up at the 19th fence.
Linda Sheedy
The year after Jenny Hembrow’s second unsuccessful ride, Linda Sheedy became the third female jockey to ride in the Grand National. The mother of twins rode the 100/1 horse Deiopea who was never considered a serious contender and refused to jump the 19th fence.
This was the same year that Bob Champion made his historic win on Aldaniti. Sheedy was also the first female to ride in the Welsh Grand National and she went on to ride in the Scottish Grand National as well.
She was a great advocate for female riders and a huge animal lover and she will be sadly missed after dying of a brain haemorrhage in 2010 aged just 57.
Geraldine Rees
The reason Geraldine Rees stands out is because, aged 26, she became the first woman to ever complete the Grand National successfully.
This was the fifth attempt made by a woman at the race and priced at 66/1, she managed to finish in 8th (and final) place in the 1982 Grand National. Unfortunately, she didn’t enjoy the same success the following year and ended up retiring from racing to become a trainer.