She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain: The Not-So-Secret History of Women in the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup. It's a race that stops a nation – except maybe for that one bloke still arguing about the offside call in the footy. But amongst the fascinators, the three-tiered sandwiches, and the general air of "gee, it's hot standing around all day," there's a question that keeps popping up: where are all the lady jockeys?
Fear not, curious racegoer! We're here to untangle the history of women in the Cup, from the early days when horses probably looked askance at a woman in trousers, to the present.
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| How Many Female Jockeys In The Melbourne Cup |
Breaking the Glass Ceiling (or at Least the Stall Door)
For most of the Melbourne Cup's long and illustrious history (it started in 1861, that's practically ancient times in horse racing), the jockey scene was a sausage fest. Then, in 2003, Clare Lindop became the first Australian woman to ride in the Cup. Now, some might say "first" isn't exactly a stampede, but it was a start!
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Fast forward a few years to 2007, and we see a glimmer of double trouble. Two female jockeys, Clare Lindop (again, she liked the Cup atmosphere) and Lisa Cropp, took to the track.
2009 saw Michelle Payne enter the ring, and in 2015, she did something truly history-making: Michelle became the first (and so far only) woman to win the Melbourne Cup, riding the absolute legend Prince of Penzance.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
This wasn't just a win for Michelle, it was a win for girl power everywhere. We're talking shattered glass ceilings, metaphorical trophies, and a whole lot of "you go girl!" from the crowd.
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Don't forget Jamie Kah either! In 2021, she steered Prince of Arran to a very respectable third place.
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
So, while the numbers might not be setting the record books alight just yet, there's a definite trend of talented female jockeys making their mark on the Melbourne Cup.
It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint (But Hopefully There Are Horses Involved)
Look, change takes time. Traditionally, horse racing has been a bit of a boys' club. But with more and more women coming through the ranks and proving their skills, we can expect to see more female jockeys competing at the Cup in the years to come.
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
Maybe one year we'll even see an all-lady Melbourne Cup. Just imagine the fascinators! The commentary would be epic. Who knows, maybe it'll become a national fashion event as much as a horse race.
FAQ - How to Get Involved
- How to become a jockey? Check out riding schools and jockey academies! There's a whole world of horsey knowledge waiting for you.
- How to support female jockeys? Watch races, cheer them on, and maybe even place a cheeky bet (responsibly, of course).
- How to make a fascinator that would make Dame Edna jealous? Google is your friend, my friend.
- How to convince my horse he's actually a Melbourne Cup contender? Positive reinforcement and a good pair of blinkers might help.
- How to find out more about the Melbourne Cup? The official Melbourne Cup website is a great place to start.
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