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An expansion of the Silk Series has been revealed by the Arena Racing Company (ARC), with races from an extra four tracks set be encompassed into the 2018 offering.
Ahead of International Women’s Day tomorrow (March 8), Goodwood, Hamilton Park, Musselburgh and York Racecourses have been announced as joining the initiative, which launched in 2017 across nine ARC tracks.
The enterprise gives female jockeys a chance to compete for a share of £150,000, including the £20,000 final which will take place once again on Ladies Day of the William Hill St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse, on Thursday 13 September 2018,
Held across thirteen popular summer racedays, with points accrued at each depending on finishing positions, the series also raises funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK.
Susannah Gill, ARC Director of External Affairs, said, “We were all absolutely delighted with the reception that The Silk Series got from the racing community and wider sports industry last year, and we are very pleased to welcome our new racecourse partners in Goodwood, Hamilton Park, Musselburgh and York.
“All four racecourses will help to increase the opportunities for female jockeys to compete on popular racedays and give a valuable contribution to raise the profile of The Silk Series.
“We hope interest in The Silk Series will continue to grow this summer, and look forward to competitive racing as we did last year, with Megan Nicholls a very worthy winner of The Tufnell Trophy”
Jockey Hollie Doyle, who passed the 100 career wins barrier in January, acts as a Silk Series ambassador, and commented: “Last summer, The Silk Series offered a number of the female jockeys the opportunity to ride that they might not have had before, and the chance to ride for new trainers as well, which is key to helping progress your career.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be involved again this year and look forward to sharing my thoughts and views on being a professional jockey with my blog”
