Hayley Turner Looks Forward to More Success in the Future

Hayley Turner has achieved a lot of firsts in her career. Apart from becoming the first female professional jockey in the United Kingdom she was also first woman to win 100 races in a calendar year.

Turner is one of a few sports women and men to admit to having Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine, but the talented jockey does not let the disease affect her performances.

The Midlands born rider also endured a hard start to life in the saddle after beginning her racing career 11 years ago and winning just a solitary race that year.

It is 2005 that perhaps has the most significance for Turner as she won the Champion Apprentice title, which has kick-started many careers, while she also managed to win 53 races and has continued to improve each year.

The 28-year-old has raced winners for a number of different trainers but has built a very successful relationship with Derby winning trainer Michael Bell.

“I was an apprentice to Michael and he basically got me going,” Turner said. “We have just kept working with each other and we seem to work really well together.

“He gives me loads of rides and we have quite a successful partnership. Michael is very loyal and he gives me loads of chances.

“He’s got a few horses that I like to ride and that I’m looking forward to riding this year.”

The Newmarket based jockey has not only represented her country in the Shergar Cup but has also led her country twice as captain of the team.

“I love the Shergar Cup, it’s such a great meeting,” Turner said. “I have been very successful there which always helps.

“I’m very honoured to have the job of leading my country and hopefully will be given the chance again this year when a decision is made around June or July time.”

Turner may have been the first professional female jockey in the UK but she is not alone on the racing circuit. Catherine Gannon has followed in her footsteps in a sport that is predominantly male-orientated.

The two female jockeys on the circuit are also close friends and Turner admits there is a friendly rivalry between the two.

“Catherine is doing really well and we actually had a bet between us for a bottle of wine,” Turner said. “It was to see who would get the most winners during the all weather [season], so that kept us entertained during the winter months.”

Turner sees many young girls coming up through the ranks and picks one in particular to do well.

“Gina Burke is a young jockey who I can see winning the Champion Apprentice,” admitted an enthusiastic Turner. “I have not seen a girl ride as good as that at her age.”

The Nottinghamshire Jockey is now on course to win over 100 races this year with over 25 winners already in 2011.

“I’m on a mission to have 100 winners again,” she said. “When I originally achieved that feat, I didn’t quite realise until you have a steadier year it is actually quite hard to do.

“I’m on a mission to do it again, just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. The winners come with good rides and hopefully I can pick up some nice awards and win some bigger races this year.” �

Top female jockey Hayley Turner was helping launch Paddy Power’s new Horseracing 2.0 technologies. Showcasing what future silks could look like as well as on board cameras to ride on the horse you backed, giving punters a more interactive and engaging Horseracing experience.

Hayler Turner said: “I can see how future technology could really change racing and create more excitement within the sport, whether that is developing silks that illuminate with the jockeys positions upon crossing the line or more user-friendly information on smartphones. I would love to see a stadium hurtling alongside us with punters cheering their horse on.”

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