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William Hill Super Saturday: Super Women
William Hill Super Saturday 2016, the thrilling seven-race card became a showcase of female talent, with all three feature races – the William Hill Hurdle, the William Hill Denman Chase, and the William Hill Game Spirit Chase – claimed by either a female trainer or jockey.
William Hill Hurdle: Lizzie Kelly
Lizzie Kelly made history by becoming the first female jockey to win Britain’s richest handicap hurdle, securing victory aboard Agrapart. This groundbreaking triumph marked the first time a female jockey had won the race since its inception in 1963. Trained by her stepfather, Nick Williams, Agrapart surged clear as a 16/1 shot, finishing an impressive 11 lengths ahead of runner-up Starchitect.
William Hill Game Spirit Chase: Kerry Lee
2016 also saw Kerry Lee claim Game Spirit Chase success, securing victory with Top Gamble in her first season as a trainer after taking over from her father, Richard. Sent off at 11/10 under Richard Johnson, Top Gamble dominated the race, winning by a record ten-length margin.
William Hill Denman Chase: Venetia Williams
Venetia Williams etched her name into the history books by becoming the first female trainer to win the William Hill Denman Chase since its inception in 2000 – a win yet to be achieved by another female trainer. Her runner, Houblon des Obeaux, secured victory under Aidan Coleman after finishing second to Coneygree the previous year. This Grade 2 success became one of eleven career wins for the talented horse.
While 2016 was undeniably a standout year for female achievements, William Hill Super Saturday has long been a successful day for women in racing. Across the years, female trainers and jockeys have continued to make their mark, with a total of ten victories cementing their place in William Hill history.
Celebrating Female Triumphs in William Hill Super Saturday History
Mrs. G Jones (1980) – William Hill Game Spirit Chase
Mary Reveley (2001) – William Hill Game Spirit Chase
Jessica Harrington (2003) – William Hill Hurdle
Amy Murphy (2018) – William Hill Hurdle
Bryony Frost (2021) – William Hill Denman Chase
Venetia Williams (2022 & 2023) – William Hill Game Spirit Chase
