ENGLISH TEXTS
compared to 30 % last year . We can therefore say that we are witnessing a phenomenon of professionalisation of female jockeys in this country . In terms of performance , there has also been clear progress for the female cause . Female jockeys represented 30 % of all licensees before the allowance came into effect . However , they only accounted for 8 % of rides and won 7 % of races . In 2023 , this has risen to 36 % of licences , 21 % of rides and 18 % of wins ( 21 % for the latter two figures in 2020 , i . e . a correspondence between the share of rides and the share of wins ). The same trend can be observed among professional female jockeys . From a purely quantitative point of view , we therefore seem to have arrived at a rather virtuous situation . However , it is still difficult to analyse the impact of these measures in qualitative terms . The fact that Marie Velon has been in the TOP 10 of French jockeys for the past five years , and that she has been able to win two Group 1 races with Irésine , seems to indicate that it is now possible to entrust valuable horses and real “ opportunities “ to female jockeys . Unfortunately , the reality is much more nuanced . Across the Channel , in Great Britain and Ireland , event in the States , there is no weight allowance reserved for women and yet , even over jumps , some of them shine every day and at the highest level . On the other hand , the statistics for jockeys in France in 2024 , limited to Group and Listed races , show a large discrepancy . Marie Velon has 26 rides in this Pattern programme , in 24 th position in the overall rating in this category by number of wins . She has two , with Irésine .
The next most in-demand female jockeys in France are Coralie Pacaut and Frida Valle Skar with 5 and 4 rides respectively . There are 13 others who also rode at this level in 2024 , including visitors Laura Pearson , Hollie Doyle , Hayley Turner and Saffie Osborne , and no other rode more than twice in this category during the year . In other words , when the stakes are high and there is no weight allowance on offer , female jockeys are , most of the time , excluded from the equation . The glass ceiling remains when it matters .
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
DATA
RACING
� PAGE 34
By Bruno Barbereau
HONG KONG . A KINGDOM WHERE GAMBLERS AS KING
In Hong Kong , horse racing is not merely a form of entertainment ; it is an institution meticulously orchestrated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club ( HKJC ).
With a season spanning from September to July , the intensive calendar features nearly 90 annual race meetings held at two racetracks : Happy Valley on Wednesday evenings and Sha Tin on Sundays . This model is built on rigorous management , including strict limitations on licensed trainers and jockeys , ensuring the elite of the discipline . With only two meetings per week , Hong Kong has chosen a measured pace that cultivates anticipation and desire among bettors , in contrast to other countries that saturate their schedules with an excessive number of events . With an astounding € 16.6 billion prizemoney on horse racing during the 2023 / 2024 season , Hong Kong reaffirms its status as the world capital of racing betting . Bettors play a central role in this thriving ecosystem , with everything designed to support their choices . The Hong Kong Jockey Club ’ s ( HKJC ) website provides a wealth of resources : detailed analyses , horse performances , jockey rankings and more . This transparency and continuous support bolster bettors ’ confidence , contributing to the extraordinary vitality of Hong Kong ’ s horse racing industry .
The recipe for success The HKJC has perfectly grasped the essence of horse racing as a spectacle : to captivate the audience , all elements of a great show must be present . A good storyline , with a well-structured calendar and thrilling competitions . A skilled director , embodied by the HKJC , orchestrating everything with precision and rigor . Outstanding actors — elite horses , talented jockeys and experienced trainers . And finally , a magnificent stage , with the iconic circuits of Sha Tin and Happy Valley offering modern infrastructures and an electrifying atmosphere . The bet has paid off : season after season , the audience , both spectators and participants , is present in force .
158