IRISH harness racing tends to be dominated by around 12 drivers. These drivers, who all happen to be male, are professional in their approach although the purse structure means that all but a few have to support their racing with a ‘nine-to-five’ job.

Therefore, it was pleasing to see around six unfamiliar faces on the track at Portmarnock last Sunday as different stables unearthed some lady drivers and jockeys to race in the annual Ladies Day. Off the track, the day usually encompasses a best dressed lady competition, however Covid-19 restrictions prevented that popular event this year.