The sport of National Hunt racing is rightly regarded as one of the toughest in which to thrive. The threat of injury, the travel, the continual battle against putting on even the fewest grams in weight all make for a punishing regime.
It is also one of the few sports though where men and women compete on an equal basis, in the same arena and the same contest.
The Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse yesterday proved again that not only is it equal in terms of opportunity to compete but in ability to win as well.
It is the richest jumping race in the country, and attracts a television audience that puts others in the sport in the shade and yesterday’s renewal was won by a women jockey for the third time in history but more importantly for the second time in the last five years.
The win was even for significant in equality terms in that the winner was also trained by a women, Sandra Hughes, who followed Dot Love in preparing the winner of the race as a woman for the second time in the last three years.
It is a big week for equality in sport with the world famous University Boat Race taking place on the River Thames in London hosting both the men’s and women’s race on the same day and with the same global TV coverage for the first time ever.
Ireland has moved well in the past two years to recognise the potential and the power of Women’s sport in a competitive, sponsorship and social setting. The Irish women’s rugby team, gaelic games and soccer have all achieved success in reaching wider audiences, attracting sponsorship from major companies such as Liberty Insurance, Continental Tyres, Tesco and Aon, and developing new players.
It has though happened more through the passion and perseverance of individuals to establish Women’s sport in the mainstream, rather than any particular coherent strategy.
That may change this Summer as Sport for Business is aware and involved with a number of initiatives in which progress might be made at a fast pace.
We will also bring news tomorrow morning of a new multi year strategy being launched today in Canada to deliver change across multiple sports.
Yesterday belonged to Katie Walsh and Sandra Hughes but the day is approaching when their presence on the front and back pages will be as normal as were they Colm Cooper, Rob Kearney or Robbie Keane.
