"The Ultimate Turner Prize"

[SillySausage]

There's an article in 'The Mail On Sunday' today about Hayley Turner and how she is now tipped to ride the Queen's horse in this summer's Derby.

I'm so pleased they've given her a bit of press to on a national scale designed to reach "everybody".... and not restricted her to the sports section.

Have not managed to find a link to this article, so if anyone has feel free to post it!

 

[glenruby]

Im not sure that she really is that likely to partner the horse at all. Richard Hughes has ridden him successfully on his 2 outings and unless he has another engagement in the race (though lets be fair the queen's horse isnt exactly well fancied - he has only won a listed race - and hasnt run since) he is the most likely jockey. Im guessing the speculation is due to the fact that Hayley Turner has ridden a few winners for R. Hannon recently (ahe wasnt apprenticed to him though was she?) but he hasnt given her the leg up on any of his better horses as of yet, so i think it a bit far fetched to say shes LIKELY to get the ride on a Derby contender.

Still, only time will tell.

BTW, Im not detracting from her success r saying she's not good enough - but its not common to replace the jockey for the big race, when he has ridden the horse so successfully in its earlier runs.

She has also stated this week how she'd love to run in a Cheltenham bumper as she has never even been to Cheltenham.
Have to say, I like to see a good flat jockkey ride in these NH races. Seamie heffernan is now jumping hurdles for E. O'Grady and hoping for a Cheltenham run too. And we had Murtagh come a close second on Golden Cross in the World hurdle 2006 to My way de Solzen amongst other Grade 1 hurlde placings.

 

[SillySausage]

glenruby, i totally agree with all of your points. Although I do not know an amazing amount about horse racing, I did think it was a little strange that the Queen would choose Hayley, considering Richard Hughes is her main jockey. The article actually does not state she has even been asked, but when the reporter asked Michael Bell if he would consider her to ride Four Winds he said "I would have no hesitation in doing so, she is as good as any jockey riding today". I think, therefore, they have twisted this for a story, saying she is now tipped.
I just can't wait for him to run as when I was working at the Royal Studs he was one of the foals born that year, and I had a huge soft spot for him! I have the most beautiful photo of him

But that is detracting from my point, although she is a good jockey, I believe this is unlikely. However, I'm glad she has been given some 'national' coverage!