In a context so disturbed by the pandemic, while the horse racing industry is turning its back to face the health storm, girls have more than ever imposed themselves on the sports scene.
2020 will be marked by the triumph of Jessica Marcialis, the first woman jockey to win, in France, a Group 1 race (the highest level of the competition), or the record of victories set by Marie Vélon.
The discipline of the obstacle also has its female star with the Welsh Charlotte Prichard.
While Marie Velon remains in seventh place in the mixed flat classification with 83 victories, her colleague from the obstacle battles to keep her fifth place.
With the hope of improving his score, from 47 successes to date.
Four points separate her from James Reveley, the potential holder of the Bronze Whip.
A gap that it could reduce this Thursday in Pau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) with
Shade of Blue
in the 5th race and
Capodimonte
in the previous event.
“I think I have two good chances, especially with the hen trained by Mr. Mescam.
I also have confidence in the form of Daniela Mele's team, for which I won on December 15th, with
Road Mix Tavel
”, confides the British driver.
"It's in Auteuil that a career is being built"
Native of Wales, Charlotte arrived on French soil three years ago to discover the profession with the status of amateur.
It has only been a year since she officiated in the professional category, supported by two benchmark coaches, Guillaume Macaire, her boss, and David Cottin for whom she, among others, traveled this winter to the Pau meeting. .
A Bearn racecourse which was a launching pad for her last year, with six successes in fifteen races.
Two victories in the Temple of the Parisian obstacle have been added to his record in the meantime.
“It is really in Auteuil that a career is built, in the saddle on the best jumpers and against very good jockeys, recognizes the young lady of 24 years.
I note that the professionalism of my colleagues on the track allows me to be 100% in my race.
I don't have to watch the sometimes dangerous attitude of some pilots, as happens in the provinces.
»On May 16, the woman who started with pony races won the Roger Duchêne Prize.
" It's a very beautiful story.
In addition to triumphing in this mythical place, I owe my victory to the precious advice given to me by Arnaud Duchêne, an experienced pilot and son of the late jockey whose race bears the name.
We worked together at Mr. Macaire's and he always supported me.
"
33% of professional licenses are female
The emergence of the fairer sex in horse racing is partly due to the discharge they have been granted for three years.
Partly only, because in the most prestigious events, they fight on equal terms with the men, the weight advantage not being allowed.
The feminization of equestrian sport is confirmed in figures.
In 2016, of the 595 professional licenses, 18% were held by women, reaching 33% four years later (193 women among the 568 jockeys listed).
“On the flat, it completely changed the changing rooms.
Now my colleagues are jostling there.
Concerning myself, I am not yet embarrassed, ”amuses himself comparing the Charlotte Prichard.
Women's performances have reshuffled the cards but that does not detract from the richness brought by the diversity of this sport.
Rivals in the competition, off the track, solidarity and respect constitute the line of conduct of everyone, men and women alike.