Jane Green has had a fascinating and varied career.
She’s been a secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, a senior officer aboard cruise ships and remains a prominent lecturer and broadcaster in astronomy.
But horses have always been her first love and on Friday she will become the first female judge of the Oaks at Epsom in 245 years.
She is one of four female judges on the British Horseracing Authority’s team and couldn’t be prouder to become the first female official to take charge of the famous race this weekend.
“It is an enormous honour,” she told us.
“It’s slightly scary, I think it’s one of those things that will be amazing, hopefully more amazing when I can look back on it and know that I’ve done justice to an amazing race.
“I’ll definitely have goosebumps. And of course it’s history and I’m so conscious of the 245 years that preceded me, sitting in that chair.”
She hopes the historic moment will inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
“I hope my judging the Oaks will open the floodgates for many females to get involved into horse racing in whatever roles because all roles are available to women and it is a fabulous sport.
“I’m one of four female judges working for the British Horseracing Authority and they’re all amazing judges so I hope this is, as a first, more following me to do a great job. Let’s hope I fly the flag!
Despite her passion for horses, Jane was a relatively late starter in the sport, originally joining the BHA as a Steward’s Secretary before becoming a Judge.
“I love horses. After 20 years I still get goosebumps watching a horse canter down to the start. My eyes will fill up when I see a beautiful horse galloping within itself. It is the most stunning thing.”
We popped down to Lingfield Park to catch-up with Jane and you can watch her story on our YouTube channel.
