Hayley Turner became the first woman to ride an outright winner of a group one race in Britain on Saturday when she partnered Dream Ahead to victory in the July Cup.
Turner was drafted in after the colt’s regular rider, William Buick, was required to ride at York.
Although Alex Greaves had become the first woman to ride the winner of a British group one race in 1997, when she steered Ya Malak to victory in the Nunthorpe Stakes, the pair dead-heated with Coastal Bluff.
“I spoke to William this morning to find out best how to ride him,” said Turner. “I haven’t sat on the horse before so I can’t take much credit.
“Obviously the trainer has done a fantastic job and thanks to the owners for having me on board. I’m delighted about it.”
Dream Ahead, last season’s joint-champion juvenile alongside Frankel, has had a delayed season.
He only made his reappearance when fifth in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and despite drying ground on the July Course he was allowed to take his chance.
“She’s a fantastic rider,” said David Simcock, the victorious trainer.
“But let’s not forget the horse, either. Sebastian Vettel would not win the Monaco Grand Prix in a Mini.”
AFP
