Carlisle Racecourse is delighted to announce our Inspirational Woman of the Year for Ladies Night 2020 is Tracy Gannon.

 

Tracy, who is the manager of Carlisle United FC’s Ladies team, was nominated by the readers of the News & Star in recognition of her tireless dedication to women’s football in Cumbria.

Tracy, 52, has been promoting and coaching football throughout the county for the past 30 years and, in the process, has encouraged many girls to take up the sport.

So, we are delighted Tracy will join us this Monday for Ladies Night as our very special guest.

She will enjoy a VIP day at the UK’s only all-female jockey race meeting before she watches the running of a race named in her honour – the 8.45 Tracy Gannon Inspirational Lady Glo & Glo Handicap (Pro-Am Lady Riders' Race).

Tracy and her guests will then present the prize to the winning jockey and trainer.

When Tracy, who also works as a sports development officer engaging with ex-offenders and introducing them to teamwork, heard a race was being named in her honour she did not take it seriously at first.

Tracy said: “I thought the girls were winding me up! It was a complete and utter surprise. It’s not why you do it, but it’s nice to know that the time and effort are being recognised.

“If it gets the message out there about women’s football it’s good for the sport.”

Tracy also has a family connection to the racecourse as her great-great grandfather John Faulkner was an acclaimed jockey.

Carlisle Racecourse General manager Molly Dingwall said: “When we knew Tracy had been nominated by News & Star readers, and we got to find out about what she has achieved for women in sport, it became clear she was the perfect choice for Inspirational Lady 2020.

“Ladies Night here at Carlisle – the UK’s only all-female jockey race night – is a very special event as we celebrate and promote women in sport.

“Tracy has been doing that for many years at Carlisle United and so we are honoured she will join us our Inspirational Woman of the Year.”

Joining Tracy as special guest on ladies Night will be TV fashion guru Gok Wan – who is hosting a post-racing ‘Party in the Paddock’ DJ set – and Hannah Jackson, Cumbria’s very own “Red Shepherdess” who is our Ladies Night ambassador.

To read more about Tracy Gannon being named our Inspirational Woman of The Year 2020 go to www.newsandtsar.co.uk

Tickets for Ladies Night are on sale now via carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk or by calling 0344 579 3002. Gates open on Monday August 5 at 2.45pm. First race is 5.45pm. Gok Wan’s DJ set will start after the last race.