Kelly Harrison

Kelly is one of the leading female jockeys in the sport and The Crown is proud to be her sponsor this season. She secured her place in the history books in December when she became one of only a handful of girl riders to become a fully fledged professional jockey. That feat was achieved when John Potts became her 95th career winner at Wolverhampton, and since then she has competed on level terms with the likes of Frankie Dettori and top female jockey Hayley Turner. Kelly, 26, who proudly carries The Crown logo on her breeches in races, was born in Yorkshire and rode her first winner as an amateur in her teens before becoming an apprentice jockey. Hailing from a racing family, she is the daughter of former trainer Alan Harrison, who is now her agent. She cut her teeth as a showjumper as a child and competed at national level in triathlon (shooting, running, swimming and riding).

As a jockey, Kelly also rides 'work' on the morning gallops in Newmarket for top trainer Henry Cecil, and had the distinction of partnering the brilliant 2,000 Guineas winner Frankel in some of his formative exercise.

When she retires from racing she would like to compete as an eventer and is a qualified riding instructor.

As The Crown's own jockey, Kelly writes a regular column in Doncaster's Society & Lifestyle Magazine, giving readers a fascinating insight into her life and career, and works with the hotel on a number of promotional initiatives, including her popular appearance as a guest speaker at the Bawtry Business Club's monthly meeting earlier this year.