Racing Ahead: Newbury Racecourse launches new initiative to host UK's first on-course female race caller

The first female commentator at Newbury Racecourse has been named as part of a new initiative.

Broadcaster Dani Jackson will become the racecourse’s live on-course commentator for all its charity races across 2022, in an initiative to champion female race callers.

The initiative will launch with the Injured Jockeys Fund Charity Race, in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, at the Al Shaqab Lockinge with Ladies Day on Saturday, May 14.

Ms Jackson becomes the inaugural participant in ‘Odds Against: Newbury’s Female Commentator Programme’ to provide a pathway for progression for aspiring female race callers to gain valuable live raceday experience.

She has guest commentated over in Turf Paradise in the US and initially started commentating on greyhound racing 10 years ago, before transferring to horse racing.

Speaking on the partnership, Ms Jackson said: “I’m very excited and honoured to be involved with this new initiative and be named the first female commentator as part of Newbury’s brand-new programme to help build a pathway for more female voices into horse racing commentary.

“Commentating has been a passion of mine for several years, but this programme is providing a more regular platform for live raceday experience that I’ve not had and I’m looking forward to debuting my first live UK call at such a prestigious track in May.”

Harriet Collins, marketing and communications director at Newbury Racecourse, said: “We have all watched with great admiration as the likes of jockeys Rachael Blackmore and Hollie Doyle continuously perform at the top of the sport and we really wanted to look at the ways we could also be a positive influence for change and progression in the sport.

“Female race commentators have not been heard in British racing in any significant capacity and we’re really excited to welcome Dani to the commentary box for the four charity races we host this year at the racecourse and hope this new initiative provides some live experience for Dani, and in time we hear female race callers on a more regular basis.”

ITV commentator, Richard Hoiles, added: “This is a great opportunity for Dani to get some valuable on course experience in front of a crowd to help progress her skills.

“The key for all aspiring commentators is to practice, practice, practice and being able to implement this in a live environment via the use of charity races is an excellent initiative.”

The four charity races at Newbury Racecourse in which Dani Jackson will be commentating include the Greatwood Charity Race on June 9, HEROS Charity Race on August 12 and British Horse Society Charity Race on November 3.