The first generation of female riders who made the breakthrough

It's been 41 years since Karen Wiltshire made history as the first female professional to ride a winner on the Flat on The Goldstone at Salisbury for her boss Bill Wightman.

Just a month earlier Lorna Vincent had enjoyed a breakthrough first female success against fellow professionals over hurdles on Les Kennard's Pretty Cute at Exeter, and although Wiltshire never rode another winner Vincent was soon enjoying big-race success over jumps.

It seemed as if things were moving faster at last in a male-dominated sport, as in 1972 amateur Meriel Tufnell had gained a landmark first ladies' race win on Scorched Earth at Kempton and in 1976 fellow amateur Val Greaves, mother of Alex, become the first female to ride a winner against male professionals over jumps on Silver Gal at Hexham.