Karen Wiltshire

Karen Wiltshire (born 22 February 1956) is an English former jockey. In 1978 she became the first female professional jockey to win a British Flat race.

Early life Wiltshire was educated at a private convent school. As a child, she competed in showjumping and cross-country riding,

Career Wiltshire's racing career began when she was hired as an apprentice to trainer Bill Wightman. In 1978, of her apprenticeship, she said "I had my chance with the Equal Opportunities law two years ago. I applied to join Mr Bill Wightman and he gave me a trial."

In 1977, she made her racing debut at Newbury, riding on Friday 13th, trained by Wightman. The following year, she was chosen to ride The Goldstone, a horse owned by Lady Pakenham, at Bath, missing out on second place in a photo finish.

In 1979, Wiltshire, on Somers Heir, finished second to Walter Swinburn in a televised race at Epsom after a photo finish, becoming the first female jockey to ride at the racecourse. She subsequently retired, with a record of 18 rides, including one win, one second-place and three third-place finishes. She has one daughter, Lara, a yacht racer.