Megan Nicholls looking to make winning start in bid to retain Silk Series title

Megan Nicholls begins the defence of her Silk Series crown when she partners Bal De Rio for Brian Ellison in the opening leg of the competition for female riders at Musselburgh on Saturday.

The Arena Racing Company-inspired series, which has been extended to take in 13 races this year, including at Goodwood and York for the first time, offers more than £150,000 in prize-money.

Jockeys will compete for points based on their finishing positions in each race, with the overall winner being awarded the Tufnell Trophy following the final race at Doncaster’s William Hill St Leger meeting. As well as promoting female riders, the series also acts as a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK.

Nicholls, who has been installed 3-1 favourite by bet365 to retain the title, said: “It proved to be a great series last year, and it should be even better this season with more races and more racecourses involved.

“It would be nice to get off to a good start, and I have a decent chance of doing so on Bal De Rio. Brian’s horses are in good form.”

Arc's PR and communications manager Sam Cone said: “We were delighted with the support the Silk Series received in its first year in 2017, and we very much hope it will be as much of a success this summer.”

2018 Silk Series (starts Saturday)

Bet365: 3 Megan Nicholls, 6 Josephine Gordon, Nicola Currie, 8 Hayley Turner, 10 Georgia Cox, Serena Brotherton, 12 Jane Elliott, Shelley Birkett, 14 bar

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