The performance of male and female jockeys, when quality of horses ridden is considered, is equal, according to a study carried out through the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA at the University of Liverpool.
The study used detailed analysis techniques on data covering a 14-year period, which showed that only 11.3% of professional licensed jockeys are female, and those were responsible for just 5.2% of available rides.
Vanessa Cashmore, author of the study, 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.”
Nick Rust, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, 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. 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.”
The BHA said in a statement that it will continue to monitor the results of France's female weight allowance initiative combined with the views of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group and the findings of this study in determining any steps that should be taken to improve opportunities for female jockeys.
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