Hayley Turner has made a return to the racecourse in a “warm-up” for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup next month.
The former top British female Flat jockey retired from racing in November last year.
But Hayley was back in action at Newmarket on Friday evening (15 July) as she prepares to help defend her title in the team event at Ascot on 6 August.
The Shergar Cup involves teams of jockeys — The Girls, Europe and The Rest of the World — go head-to-head in five races across the afternoon.
The Girls — Hayley, Sammy Jo Bell and Emma-Jayne Wilson — were victorious last year.
Australian jockey Michelle Payne had been set to compete alongside Emma-Jayne and Cathy Gannon at the 2016 event, but is out of action due to injury.
Hayley had three rides at Newmarket on Friday, finishing fifth on her first, Yankee Mail, trained by Gay Kelleway.
Her other two rides were the Marco Botti-trained Clenymistra in the Colchester Cancer Centre Campaign maiden fillies’ stakes and He’s My Boy, trained by James Fanshawe, in the Maritime Cargo Services handicap, with whom she finished third.
One of the most successful female jockeys of all time, in 2008 Hayley became the first lady rider to achieve 100 wins in a calendar year.
During her glittering 15-year career, she rode more than 760 British winners and became the first lady to score a victory for The Queen.
She was named champion apprentice in 2005, the same year she rode 44 winners.
Related articles:
- Jockey and equestrian charity founder named in Queen’s Birthday Honours
- 19 facts you need to know about Hayley Turner
- Hayley Turner to retire from racing
Her numerous top-level wins over the years include the Nunthorpe Stakes at York and the Beverley D Stakes at Arlington Park.
In Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday Honours list last month, Hayley was appointed OBE for services to horse racing.
