On International Women’s Day we would like to give ‘Tribute to a Trailblazer’ Ellen Chaloner, the first woman trainer.
In a live podcast from the famous Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket Joe Rendall (Communications Lead, Eastern Region Jockey Club) announced that The Jockey Club would be funding the cost of a headstone for Ellen and members of her family, who lie in two unmarked graves at Newmarket cemetery in addition to naming a fillies listed race in her name. The race is to be run on Saturday 6 May, 2000 Guineas Day, at the Rowley Mile racecourse.
During the podcast I spoke to family members great granddaughters Marietta Krikhaar and Susie Wilks, great great grandson Charlie Swan, the former nine-time Irish Champion jump jockey, leading horse racing historians Dr Esther Harper and Tim Cox and current Newmarket trainers Gay Kelleway and Sir Mark Prescott. Sir Mark trained the 2022 Prix De ’l’Arc de Triomphe winner Alpinista.
The podcast tells the story of Ellen, the first woman trainer and the reaction to this special news on International Women’s’ Day. Ellen, who was born into a racing, her brother Johnny Osborne was Classic winning jockey while her father was a trainer. Her life was transformed in 1886 when her husband Tom Chaloner, also a former Classic winning jockey who by then was a trainer died suddenly at only 47.
Against the odds she took over the reins at Osborne House, Newmarket. Within twelve months she had trained the filly Jersey Lily to win a race at Royal Ascot.
Although she retired officially as a trainer in 1894 Ellen remained involved with the sport until her death in March 1944 aged 98.
Enjoy the story of this remarkable woman who is now to receive the recognition she deserves in the history of the turf.
Podcast edited and produced by DMJ Imagery
#trailblazingtrainer #tributetoatrailblazer
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