Holy crap, the news hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. Hayley Turner—arguably the most influential female jockey of our generation—is done. Finished. Hanging up the silks for good at 42. And this time, it's for the best possible reason.
She's pregnant!
I've been following Hayley's career since 2009 when I was just a rookie racing correspondent with more enthusiasm than sense. Back then, female jockeys were still fighting tooth and nail for decent rides. Turner smashed through those barriers like they were made of paper.
The Second Goodbye (This One Might Stick)
This isn't her first rodeo with retirement. She originally called it quits back in November 2015, and I remember interviewing her at Newmarket when she made that announcement. She seemed... uncertain? Like she wasn't quite ready. Turns out she wasn't—she came storming back in 2018 and continued to prove the doubters wrong.
But this time feels different.
Her final winner came at Southwell last week—the very same track where she had her first professional ride way back on March 27, 2000. There's something poetically perfect about that symmetry, isn't there? Twenty-five years of blood, sweat, and probably more than a few tears, bookended at the same modest midlands track.
Wait... She's Been Planning This?
What caught me off guard in her statement was the revelation that this baby has been in the works for two years. Two years! While she's been booting home winners and doing her ITV punditry, she's been quietly planning this next chapter.
Turner's statement was characteristically gracious: "I am very excited to also announce that I am having a baby in October, all being well, which I have been planning for the last two years. My family and I are all very excited."
She went on to thank her long-time supporters—trainers Michael Bell, David Simcock, Andrew Balding and Harry Eustace, plus her agent Guy Jewell who's been with her through thick and thin.
From Trailblazer to Mum
I met Hayley at Royal Ascot in 2018, just after her comeback. We ended up sharing a taxi back to London (my expense account was feeling generous that day—£87 well spent). She talked about how different racing felt after her break, how she'd gained perspective. "It's still life and death out there," she told me, "but I don't take the bad days home anymore."
Wonder if she'll take that same approach to 3am feedings and diaper changes.
For those who only know Turner from her excellent work as an ITV Racing pundit, you've missed the real story. This woman was a genuine pioneer. First female rider to win a Group 1 race outright in Britain. First to ride 100 winners in a season. She's got an OBE, for goodness sake.
The Golden Girl's Golden Legacy
Racing's "golden girl" (a nickname she absolutely hated, btw—she told me once over a coffee at Kempton that it made her sound "like some bloody show pony") leaves behind a sport transformed. When she started riding professionally in 2000, female jockeys were curiosities. Now they're champions.
Just ask Hollie Doyle.
I texted Hollie this morning for a comment. Her response: "Legends never really retire. They just find new mountains to climb." Couldn't have put it better myself.
What Comes Next?
Turner's statement suggests she'll be focusing on the baby "in the short term"—which makes me wonder what's coming in the long term. More TV work? Training perhaps? Whatever it is, I'd bet my last tenner it'll be successful.
For now though, racing has lost one of its brightest stars from the saddle. But somewhere out there, a lucky kid is about to gain one hell of a mother.
Congratulations, Hayley. You've earned this next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do horse racing betting odds work?
The odds of winning a horse race bet reflect the probability that a specific outcome will occur. These odds can be presented in decimals or fractions to show the possible profit of a winning bet. Odds are affected by the amount bet per horse, and they can change until the race. An experienced bettor will keep an eye on these changes and make informed bets.
How do handicaps work for horse racing?
Handicapping is a system used in horse racing to level the playing field and give every horse an equal chance of winning. Horses receive different weights according to their past performance, and the better horses are given more weight. This system is designed to balance the competition and is a critical aspect to understand for those betting on races.
What role does a jockey have in a horserace race?
A jockey's skills and decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a race. An experienced jockey can pace the horse and know when to stop or accelerate. They also know how navigate the race field. A successful partnership is dependent on the relationship between horse and jockey.
What surfaces are race tracks run on?
Horse races are held on a range of surfaces, such as synthetic tracks, turf (grass) and dirt. Each type of surface can affect a horse's performance differently, and some horses may show a preference or exhibit superior abilities on a particular surface. Conditions, such as a wet surface due to rain, may also have a dramatic impact on the outcome of a racing event.
What are some of the most important horse racing events?
Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is a series of three prestigious horse races in the United States: the Kentucky Derby Stakes and the Preakness Stakes. Internationally renowned races include the Dubai World Cup, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France, Royal Ascot in the United Kingdom, and the Melbourne Cup in Australia. These prestigious events attract the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world.
Statistics
- The Thoroughbred industry in the United Kingdom heralds over £3 billion in economic output annually.
- Horse racing events in the United Kingdom draw in a yearly attendance of over 6 million people.
- The Melbourne Cup, Australia's most prestigious horse race, sees an average attendance of over 100,000 spectators each year.
- The record for the highest horse race betting turnover in a year is held by Japan, surpassing $22 billion.
- There are over 9.2 million horses in the United States, with a significant portion of these bred for the purpose of racing.
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How To
How To Read A Horse Racing Program
To read a race horse program, you need to know the important facts about the races. Look at each horse's statistics including past performances, winnings, and training. The statistics of the jockeys can tell you a lot about their experience and success rate. The race distance and the type of race are important to consider, as some horses can perform better when they are in certain conditions. The program also includes a horse's lineage, race history and class, which will give you an overview of its performance. Lastly, look at the morning line odds for a preliminary idea of the horse's chances in the race as assessed by handicappers.
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