Alex Greaves

Alex Greaves
OccupationJockey, trainer
Born (1968-04-12) 12 April 1968 (age 56)
Northallerton, England
SpouseDavid 'Dandy' Nicholls (m. 1994)
Children3
Height5 ft 1 in (155 cm)[1]
Weight8 st 4 lb (116 lb; 53 kg)[2]
Career wins287
Major racing wins
Major races
Nunthorpe Stakes (1997 (dh))
Racing awards
Ladies Professional Championship Trophy (1990, 1991)
Significant horses
Ya Malak

Alex Greaves (born 12 April 1968) is a British former professional flat jockey. In 1996 she was the first woman to ride in the Epsom Dash in Epsom Derby's 216-year history on filly Portuguese Lil.[3][4] She was the first woman to ride in the 1000 Guineas Stakes also on Portuguese Lil[5][6] and in 1997 became the first woman to ride a Group 1 winner at the Nunthorpe Stakes on Ya Malak.[7][8] She won the Female Jockey of the Year five times.[9]

Personal life

[edit]

Alex Ann Greaves was born in 1967. Her mother, Valerie Greaves, was the first woman to "ride in a race under rules", and the first professional woman to beat professional jockeys over jumps.[10] Her father, Ernest Greaves, was a farmer[11] and a British Show Pony Society judge.[12] Her uncle, David Greaves, was a professional rider, winning the Mackeson (now Paddy Power) Gold Cup in 1975.[13]

Greaves started riding aged four. She subsequently joined the Pony Club and moved through the gymkhana circuit, showjumping and hunter trials.[14] She began to ride out on the gallops when she was 13. Before her racing career, Greaves was working in hotel management,[15] after earning a diploma in hotel and management studies from Leeds Polytechnic.[16]

In 1991 she was engaged to fellow jockey apprentice, Gary Hind,[17] but married trainer, David 'Dandy' Nicholls (1956-2017) in April 1994, at Northallerton.[18] They had three children.[19]

Career

[edit]

Apprenticeship with David Barron

[edit]

In 1989 Greaves joined David Barron's stables in Maunby, Thirsk, Yorkshire as an apprentice, where her mother was Barron's 'head lad'.[15] In 1989 she set "some kind of record" by being the first apprentice to have her "claim reduced from 7lb to 5lb without riding a winner on turf".[20] Greaves turned professional in 1989.[21] Her first win was on Andrew's First at Southwell Racecourse's all-weather Fibresand track, on 1 December 1989. After Greaves' performance, Barron was quoted in the Sports Argus, saying, "She is by far the best apprentice I've ever had. She's cool and confident and nothing seems to bother her."[20] In her first year she rode 41 winners, including 17 on the turf, which earned her the 1990 Ladies Professional Championship Trophy.[15] Her statistics in her first year – 16 wins from 28 races – gave her a 57% win rate, higher than Lester Piggott or Willie Shoemaker at the same point in their racing careers.[11] In February 1990, Greaves said, "As soon as I took up all-weather racing, everything changed. I loved it from day one and have enjoyed an unbelievably lucky run."[22] In 1990 she became the first female flat jockey to ride out her claim.[23][24] In April 1992 Greaves appeared on the BBC's A Question of Sport.[25] She and Barron "parted company" in May 1993. No official reason was given, but it coincided with Greaves' engagement to former jockey, David "Dandy" Nicholls, who she had met at Barron's stables.[26]

Riding for David Nicholls

[edit]

After retiring from racing, Nicholls became a trainer, and Greaves raced for him.[7] In 1995, on discussing the challenges of being a female jockey, Greaves said, "If a male jockey rode the winners that I did as an apprentice, he would be almost guaranteed a future as a jockey. But a girl is not – many owners and trainers consider us weaker."[27] In 1996 Greaves was the first woman to ride in the Epsom Derby, on filly Portuguese Lil, with odds of 500-1. Of her chances in the race, she said, "It's not as if there's going to be any pressure on me as the horse does not have a great chance." Portuguese Lil came in last.[28][29] In 1997, she became the first woman to ride a Group One winner, Ya Malak, in a photo-finish at the Nunthorpe Stakes.[30] In an interview with the Sunday Times, Greaves said "We [female jockeys] are regarded as novelties... And there is an awful lot of hypocrisy, too. Trainers will come up and tell you you rode a brilliant race, but they'd never dream of putting you on their horses."[31]

Overseas

[edit]

Greaves rode in southern Africa,[32] including at the 1992 British Airways Concorde Cup to mark Harare track's centenary, where she won on Ace of Aces.[33] She also raced in Japan,[12] Hong Kong,[34] France, Ireland,[35] Dubai[36] and Barbados.[5]

Select highlights

[edit]
  • 1990: Double win on Bronze Cross and Give In at Southwell[37]
  • 1990: 50th win of her career on Andrew's First at Southwell[38]
  • 1990: Treble win on Irish Passage, Orchard Court and Bronze Cross at Southwell[39]
  • 1991: Lincoln Handicap on Amenable at Doncaster Racecourse[16][40]
  • 1991: Double win on Rhythmic Style and Selling Stakes at Doncaster[41]
  • 1991: Double win on Super One and Gods Solution at Catterick Racecourse[42]
  • 1992: Treble win on Thunderbird One, East Barns, Allinson's Mate at Southwell[32]
  • 1992: Become the first woman professional to win in southern Africa on There's Magic at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe[43]
  • 1993: selected to take part in a series of women's races as part of National Association of Racing of Japan[12]
  • 1997: Became the "first woman in Europe" to win a Group One race in the Nunthorpe Stakes on Ya Malak.[44]

Greaves partnered Zuhair in three of four successive wins at Goodwood's Charlton Stakes.[5]

Awards and honours

[edit]
  • 1990: Ladies Professional Championship Trophy[15]
  • 1990: Lanson Lady of the Month (January)[45]
  • 1990: Aberlour Outstanding Achievement Award from the Federation of British Racing Clubs[45]
  • 1991: William Hill Golden Spurs Award Outstanding Apprentice for 1990 – the first woman to appear in the awards in its 19-year history[46]
  • 1991: voted Lady Jockey of the Year at the inaugural awards of the Jockeys Association[47]
  • 1991: Ladies Professional Championship Trophy[48]
  • 1996: voted Lady Jockey of the Year[49]
  • 1998: voted Lady Jockey of the Year[50]
  • 2016: Greaves was one of the three Investec Derby Ambassadors, together with Frankie Dettori and Hayley Turner[51]
  • 2022: Included in the newly opened Derby Hall of Fame at Epsom Market Place[52]
  • 2023: Featured in QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame as part of International Women's Day[53][54]

She also won a Likely Lad award[55]

Monikers

[edit]

Of the various monikers ascribed to her, including "Queen of All-Weather Racing",[56] "Queen of the Sands"[16] and "Queen of Southwell",[57] Greaves said, "I've never wanted to be considered a lady rider, or ever asked for any favours. I've always just been another jockey." In 1991, after winning the Lincoln Handicap, she hoped that "her performance to beat 24 male rivals should finally bury that condescending title "Queen of Southwell",[58] but acknowledged that even after this victory some would still use "that silly nickname", adding "I don't know what I have to do to lose it."[59]

Retirement

[edit]

Greaves retired from racing in 2005, after riding 287 winners. Of her retirement she said, "As a girl in this game you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself, and after 15 years of pushing hard I know it's the right choice." Greaves also struggled with her weight, saying "I rode nine lots of work the other day in a sweatsuit, then got on the treadmill, had a swim and lost only half a pound."[60] After retiring, Greaves worked alongside Nicholls in their training establishment[60] in Sessay, Thirsk.[2][61] As of 2023 she continues to ride out every day at Tim Easterby's Great Habton stables.[53]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Lovesey, John (1994). Ready to Ride: Winning Fitness. London, UK: Sporting Types. p. 14. ISBN 0952401002.
  2. ^ a b Alex Greaves (8 June 1996). "Epsom's first lady comes under orders". The Times. London, UK. p. 42.
  3. ^ "On the right track". Aberdeen Evening Express. Aberdeen, UK. 7 June 1996. p. 59.
  4. ^ Anna Burnside (6 June 1996). "Jockeying for position". The Scotsman. Edinburgh, UK. p. 17.
  5. ^ a b c "Groundbreaking jockey Alex weighs up her future in the saddle". thenorthernecho.co.uk. 31 March 2005. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  6. ^ "15:45 Newmarket". skysports.com. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Alex Greaves, Professional Flat Jockey". Country Life. London, UK. 18 March 1999. p. 67.
  8. ^ Andrew Dietz (18 August 2018). "The race that had it all". racingpost.com. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  9. ^ Sharpe, Graham (2009). Racing's greatest characters. London, UK: JR Books. p. 169. ISBN 9781906779146.
  10. ^ "Women in racing through time". womeninracing.co.uk. 5 September 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  11. ^ a b Gary Own (14 February 1990). "Smart Alex!". Daily Record. London, UK. p. 39.
  12. ^ a b c Jo Davison (10 August 1993). "No easy ride". Hull Daily Mail. Hull, UK. p. 17.
  13. ^ "Racing trailblazers: Alex Greaves". horseracinghof.com. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  14. ^ Anna Burnside (6 June 1996). "Jockeying for position". The Scotsman. Edinburgh, UK. p. 17.
  15. ^ a b c d "Alex collects champion trophy". Liverpool Echo. Liverpool, UK. 13 December 1990. p. 61.
  16. ^ a b c Ian Clark (4 July 1992). "Women in the saddle". Manchester Evening News. Manchester, UK. p. 75.
  17. ^ "Gary's love match". Aberdeen Press and Journal. Aberdeen, UK. 13 April 1991. p. 29.
  18. ^ "Wedding bells". Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail. Hartlepool, UK. 21 April 1994. p. 34.
  19. ^ "Cecil dreams of a classic double". Belfast Newsletter. Belfast, UK. 8 June 1996. p. 25.
  20. ^ a b Bob Bissaker (27 January 1990). "Report trophy". Sport Argus. London, UK. p. 6.
  21. ^ Julie Harris (17 January 1990). "Ice cool Alex at the double". Belfast News-Letter. Belfast, UK. p. 24.
  22. ^ Julian Armfield (2 February 1990). "All-weather racing is now a real washout". Reading Evening Post. Reading, UK. p. 51.
  23. ^ "Yesterday's racing result". The Daily Telegraph. London, UK. 1 June 1990. p. 33.
  24. ^ Magee, Sean (1991). Daily Telegraph Flat Racing Year. London, UK: Headline Book Publishing. p. 29. ISBN 9780747204855.
  25. ^ "5:00 A question of sport". Derry Journal. Derry, UK. 7 April 1992. p. 49.
  26. ^ "Greaves splits with Barron". Aberdeen Press and Journal. Aberdeen, UK. 10 May 1993. p. 19.
  27. ^ Steve Simpson (25 July 1995). "Whipping up a Ladies' chance". West Lancashire Evening Gazette. Lancaster, UK. p. 14.
  28. ^ Jon Lees (20 May 1996). "Greaves feels no pressure". Halifax Evening Courier. Halifax, UK. p. 15.
  29. ^ "Portuguese Lil's Derby Warm Up". Shields Daily Gazette. Shields, UK. 21 May 1996. p. 32.
  30. ^ Jon Lees (22 August 1997). "Greeves scores big first". Belfast News-Letter. Belfast, UK. p. 42.
  31. ^ Tanner, Michael (1992). The Guinness Book of Great Jockeys on the Flat: A Celebration of Two Centuries of Jockeyship. Enfield, UK: Guinness. p. 239. ISBN 0851129897.
  32. ^ a b "Alex back in business". Gloucester Citizen. Gloucester, UK. 11 December 1992. p. 53.
  33. ^ "Golden girl takes overseas honours". Gloucester Citizen. Gloucester, UK. 23 November 1992. p. 29.
  34. ^ "Greaves to keep flying Red flag". cmp.com. 14 November 1997. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  35. ^ Brian O'Connor (8 June 1999). "Greaves times it right". irishtimes.com. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  36. ^ "Rudi's pet runs rivals ragged". Irish Independent. Dublin, Ireland. 6 June 2000. p. 18.
  37. ^ "Super Alex top". Nottingham Evening Post. Nottingham, UK. 17 January 1990. p. 33.
  38. ^ "Alex hits 50 mark". Staffordshire Sentinel. Stafford, UK. 31 December 1990. p. 34.
  39. ^ Chris Hawkins (31 January 1990). "Mrs Pitman blasts stewards". The Guardian. Manchester, UK. p. 17.
  40. ^ "Old Lincoln sparkle not quite there". Lincolnshire Echo. Lincoln, UK. 27 March 1991. p. 26.
  41. ^ "Alex back with Beverley double". Hull Daily Mail. Hull, UK. 11 May 1991. p. 29.
  42. ^ "Alex has the solution". Belfast News-Letter. Belfast, UK. 27 March 1991. p. 24.
  43. ^ J A McGrath (26 November 1992). "Alex the African queen". The Daily Telegraph. London, UK. p. 32.
  44. ^ Richard Edmondson (21 August 1997). "Racing: Greaves in a feminine conquest". independent.co.uk. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  45. ^ a b Tanner, Michael (1992). The Guinness Book of Great Jockeys on the Flat: A Celebration of Two Centuries of Jockeyship. Enfield, UK: Guinness. p. 238. ISBN 0851129897.
  46. ^ "Alex wins her spurs". Nottingham Evening Post. Nottingham, UK. 19 March 1991. p. 27.
  47. ^ "Greaves goes out to grass". Reading Evening Post. Reading, UK. 25 March 1991. p. 14.
  48. ^ "Just champion". The Scotsman. Edinburgh, UK. 21 December 1991. p. 24.
  49. ^ Sharpe, Graham (1996). Odds, sods and racing certs. London: Robson. p. 47. ISBN 9781861050571.
  50. ^ "Winner". West Lancashire Evening Gazette. Lancaster, UK. 23 March 1998. p. 21.
  51. ^ "The Investec Derby Festival". Epsom Guardian. Epsom, UK. 19 May 2016. p. 53.
  52. ^ "Unveiling the Derby Hall of Fame – Epsom Market Place". epsom-ewell.gov.uk. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  53. ^ a b Ricard Byram (1 April 2023). "Hollie Doyle's path to success". yorkshirepost.co.uk. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  54. ^ "Racing's most influential female jockeys and trainers". thejockeyclub.co.uk. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  55. ^ "Pears shapes up for Likely Lad award". Newcastle Journal. Newcastle, UK. 24 July 1993. p. 63.
  56. ^ "Results". Daily Mirror. London, UK. 8 November 1990. p. 55.
  57. ^ Greg Wood (22 August 1997). "Jockey beats a chauvinist handicap". The Independent. London,UK. p. 1.
  58. ^ "Alex is so Amenable". Birmingham Weekly Mercury. Birmingham, UK. 24 March 1991. p. 74.
  59. ^ "Alex's abdication". Grimsby Daily Telegraph. Grimsby, UK. 24 March 1991. p. 30.
  60. ^ a b "Greaves decides to quit racing". bbc.co.uk. 30 March 2005. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  61. ^ "Irish-bred Sovereign Debt collects feature". gulf-times.com. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
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