Biography:
Hayley Turner OBE (born 3 January 1983) is an English jockey who has made a significant impact on the world of flat racing. Born in Nottingham to Kate and Richard Turner, Hayley showed an early passion for horses and began riding at a young age under the guidance of her mother, a riding instructor. Her love for racing grew as she rode out for local trainer Mark Polglase and eventually attended the Northern Racing College before becoming apprenticed to Michael Bell in Newmarket, Suffolk.
Hayley’s dedication and talent as a jockey quickly became evident. On 27 March 2000, she took part in her first race on Markellis at Southwell, though unfortunate circumstances led to the tragic euthanization of the horse. Despite this heart-wrenching start, Hayley persevered, and on 4 June 2000, she achieved her first winning ride aboard Generate at Pontefract.
In pursuit of honing her skills, Hayley traveled abroad to train under Tom Amoss in New Orleans for three months. She also spent the winter of 2004 riding out for Godolphin in Dubai. Her dedication paid off, as she gained valuable experience and continued to develop her riding style.
In 2005, Hayley’s talent was recognized when she became the joint Champion Apprentice alongside Saleem Golam, with both jockeys amassing an impressive 44 winners. She further solidified her position in the racing world by reaching her 95th victory, signifying the end of her apprentice claim, a feat only achieved by three other women in Britain.
The year 2008 marked a historic milestone in Hayley’s career. She became the first female jockey in Britain to ride 100 winners in a single calendar year when Mullitovermaurice triumphed at Wolverhampton on 30 December 2008. This achievement served as a testament to her exceptional skill and determination, breaking barriers for women in the sport.
In addition to this record-breaking achievement, Hayley also secured notable wins on Furnace at Chester and Ascot, as well as on The Betchworth Kid at Doncaster. Her first Group race victory came aboard Lady Deauville in the Lando-Trophy in Germany on 16 November 2008, further cementing her status as a top jockey on an international level. Her outstanding performance throughout the year led to her recognition as Channel 4’s Racing Personality for 2008.
Despite her success, Hayley faced a formidable challenge in March 2009 when she suffered a severe head injury during an accident on the Newmarket gallops. The injury initially threatened to sideline her for the remainder of the year. However, thanks to fresh medical evidence and a strong will to return to the sport she loved, Hayley defied the odds and made a mid-summer comeback. By the end of the year, she had ridden 60 winners, the second-highest figure of her career.
Hayley’s career continued to flourish in 2010, marked by notable achievements such as her first Group 1 ride on Barshiba in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. She also triumphed in the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks on the same horse at Haydock a month earlier, showcasing her skill and versatility on a variety of tracks.
In 2015, Hayley announced her retirement from racing, bringing an end to a remarkable career. However, her passion for the sport remained, and she embarked on a new journey as a regular contributor to ITV Racing, sharing her insights and expertise with audiences around the world.
In 2018, Hayley made a surprising comeback to competitive racing, proving that her talent and determination were as strong as ever. Since her return, she has achieved three impressive victories at Royal Ascot, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest level after her retirement.
Hayley Turner’s legacy in the world of horse racing is undeniable. As a trailblazer for women in the sport, she has shattered glass ceilings and inspired future generations of female jockeys. Her dedication, resilience, and exceptional skill have left an indelible mark on the history of racing and serve as a testament to the power of perseverance.
Awards:
– Channel 4’s Racing Personality for 2008