Horse Racing

11 Jul 2011: Turner Wins 2011 July Cup Aboard Dream Ahead

Jockey Hayley Turner became the first female to ride an outright winner in a British Group 1 race last Saturday when she won the July Cup aboard Dream Ahead.

The 28-year-old jockey steered Dream Ahead to an emphatic victory over their rivals at Newmarket Racecourse.

Turner, who had not ridden the three-year-old colt before, was quick to suggest all credit for the win rested with Dream Ahead’s owner and trainer.

“I’ve not sat on the horse before, so I can’t take much credit,” she said.

“But credit to (trainer) David Simcock and to (owner) Khalifa (Dasmal) for chucking me up on him.”

Turner was Simcock’s third choice after regular rider William Buick was required to ride at York and second choice Jamie Spencer was on a flight to the United States.

Furthermore, with all the high end racing on offer last weekend, jockeys were in high demand.

“I know a lot of the trainers are moaning about the fixtures today,” Turner said.

“Obviously, I’m not complaining if there’s not enough jockeys to go round.

“It’s a bonus for me.”

Turner was given advice from Dream Ahead’s regular rider ahead of the race.

“William Buick told me how to ride him, and he said not to get there too soon,” she said.

Alex Greaves was the first British woman to win a Group 1 race in a dead heat 14 years ago.

Greaves was there to greet Turner when she returned back to scale.

“Chuffed to bits,” Greaves said following Turner’s win.

“Took a long time for someone else to do it.

“You always remember it, there’s nothing better.

“It’s been a long time since girls really got a chance at the top level.”

Trainer Michael Bell has supported Turner throughout her career, and was elated after her victory.

“I’m thrilled for her personally,” Bell said.

“She’s been so dedicated and it’s been difficult for her having to buck the trend.

“That was a beautiful ride today, copybook, composed, produced him at the right time. But it’s not just about the ride here, it’s what’s gone in over the last 10 years.

“She has the natural ability. She is thoroughly professional, rides extremely well and very rarely is she in the wrong place in a race.”

Bell continued to stand by Turner after she suffered brain bruising in a race fall two years ago.

“Obviously, I’ve helped her and stood by her, especially when she had that fall, which could have brought her career to a grinding halt,” Bell said.

Turner said the win has given her even more confidence to continue to perform at her best as one of Britain’s top jockeys.

“It’s just getting on the horses and you need the breaks,” she said.

“I know all the jockeys really well and I don’t get intimidated by them. We have respect for each other.

“You’re always learning but I do feel more confident now than I ever have done.”

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