Pioneering female jockey Karen Wiltshire recalls challenges in British racing history

Karen Wiltshire, the first professional female jockey to win a race in British Flat racing, faced significant challenges in the 1970s, including assault and ridicule. Despite these obstacles, she achieved a historic victory on September 14, 1978, riding The Goldstone. Wiltshire's experiences highlight the sexism in racing at the time, where women were often overlooked and faced harassment. While she fought to be recognized, recent years have seen progress, with more female jockeys gaining prominence, such as Hollie Doyle and Rachael Blackmore. The British Horseracing Authority has initiated strategies to improve safety and support for women in the sport. Despite advancements, Wiltshire notes that female representation among professional jockeys remains low, and she advocates for further changes to promote equality in racing.