3 minute read
Svensk Galopp this week announced the first jockeys taking part in its new major international event, the Lady Jockeys’ Thoroughbred World Championship presented by Chess Racing which will take place at Bro Park on the 4th July.
Canadian superstar Chantelle Sutherland, who recently celebrated her 1000th winner, was revealed among the big names participating in the world championship, joining New Zealand’s leading jockey Danielle Johnson and Fanny Olsson of Sweden on a list that is shaping up to be a who’s who of the world’s best female jockeys.
‘It is obviously a great honour. I knew straight away it was a competition I wanted to ride in, and I’m excited to be chosen’, Olsson said, on discovering she had been selected by Svensk Galopp to take part.
Kei Chiong, the exciting apprentice who rode a four-timer at Sha Tin last year, has been named as Hong Kong’s representative in the championship, and will be joined by former Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup team member Stefanie Hoffer, who has for many years been considered Germany’s best female jockey.
Sutherland and Olsson are no strangers to Europe’s newest racecourse, as both rode there on its opening in June last year, with Sutherland victorious on Swedish- trained Dreams Cape.
The UK’s champion apprentice Josephine Gordon, in addition to Ana O’Brien, daughter of leading flat trainer Aidan O’Brien and UK born Sophie Doyle, currently showcasing English talent in the US, could be among the international female stars riding in the championship, subject to their other commitments.
Dennis Madsen, the Director of Racing at Svensk Galopp, said ‘It’s fantastic to be able to bring together so many brilliant female jockeys from all over the world for this day. The Lady Jockeys’ Thoroughbred World Championship was created to promote opportunities for these riders and to showcase their talent on a worldwide stage, so it is great to have these women taking part.’
The Lady Jockeys’ Thoroughbred World Championship presented by Benny Andersson’s Chess Racing will take place on Tuesday 4th July over five races, and in keeping with the all-female theme will be supported by two races also dedicated to female riders, giving the next generation of lady jockeys a chance to be part of the international showcase.
