Women in the winner’s circle: Female leaders transforming horse racing

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Horse racing is one of the few sports that see men and women collide on a constant basis. However, there had long been considered to be a glass ceiling, which only ensured that male riders were given the opportunity to write their names into the history books. 

But, in this modern day, there are a growing number of trailblazing stars that have re-wrote the records, ensuring that women riders are given the respect that they deserve. 

Studying the rider is always essential before assessing the horse racing free picks by TwinSpires.com, but a female rider no longer has a negative reaction from a bettor. But, who are some of the stars from the sport that have helped transform the public opinion of women in racing? 

Rachael Blackmore

There are few more inspirational jockeys in horse racing than Rachael Blackmore. 

The legendary rider smashed through glass ceilings throughout her career, becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021, and also becoming the first to achieve the feat of being the leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival. 

In 2022, she made even more history by becoming the first woman to ride the winner in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

Her records saw her land notable honours throughout her time in the saddle, winning the 2021 BBC World Sport Star of the Year and the 2021 RTE Sports Person of the Year. Blackmore announced her retirement from the saddle in May 2025, winning 575 races during her career. 

Julie Krone

The trailblazing female in U.S. horse racing comes in the form of Julie Krone. She remains the only woman to have won a Triple Crown race, landing success aboard Colonial Affair in the Belmont Stakes in 2000. 

Krone would also break new ground in other major American races, becoming the first to win at the Breeders’ Cup in 2003. Her achievements were honored after becoming the first female rider to be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. 

Throughout her career, Krone would show her ability in some of the biggest races on the U.S. calendar, winning a total of 3,704 before announcing her retirement in 2004. 

Jenny Pitman

The growing number of female trainers across the world is inspiring, with notable names such as Jessica Harrington and Jena Antonucci landing major honours in recent years. However, a lot of the path to success was paved by British trainer Jenny Pitman. 

She made history in 1983 when becoming the first female to train the winner of the iconic Grand National. Pitman would repeat the feat once again in 1995 with Royal Athlete. As well as memorable wins at Aintree, Pitman would land iconic wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Burrough Hill Lad and Garrison Savanah. 

She was later acknowledged for her service to racing with an OBE, before retiring from training in 1999. However, Pitman remains a vocal supporter of the sport as a member of the Disciplinary Panel and Licensing Committee for the BHA. 

Jamie Melham

One of the fastest-growing female riders on the planet is Jamie Melham. The Australian made global headlines in 2025, becoming only the second female to ride the winner in the Melbourne Cup. 

However, her progress to the top of the sport started before winning Flemington’s premier race. Melham has been a regular winner in Victoria throughout her career, becoming the first jockey to ever ride 100 winners in a single season. 

In 2020 and 2021, she would lead the world rankings for female riders, before landing major victories such as the Doncaster Handicap, Hong Kong Classic Mile, and the Caulfield Cup. Melham continues to be a rider to watch, as further big race wins lie ahead. 

Henrietta Knight

Henrietta Knight is one of the most successful female racehorse trainers in history. The legendary trainer achieved notable highs throughout her career, and even enjoyed success in eventing, winning a silver medal at the Seoul Olympics. 

However, Knight turned her attention to racing in 1989, training 100 point-to-point winners before finally getting success at the highest level. Her most famous wins would come between 2002 and 2004, with the legendary Best Mate winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in three straight years. Best Mate would also give Knight a winner in the King George VI Chase in 2002. 

Further Cheltenham success would be achieved with Edredon Bleu in 2000, winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The trainer would also land illustrious graded wins in race such as the Clarence House Chase and Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. 

She would retire in 2012 with over 700 winners recorded, later achieving success as an author. However, the bug of racing pulled her back into the sport, as she announced that she would be renewing her trainers’ licence in 2023.