Marie Slater

Marie grew up in London with a close-knit family, including a supportive mother and a father who humorously embraced her transition. From a very young age—around five—she knew she identified as female but hid this fact behind a tough, aggressive exterior. Her childhood was marked by a double life: outwardly conforming to masculine expectations, while internally yearning to express her femininity. Her love for horse racing began watching races with her grandfather, dreaming of becoming a jump jockey. By her mid-20s, Mark was a renowned jockey with over 250 wins, a reputation not just for skill but for being somewhat of a womanizer. This persona allowed him to blend into the masculine culture, even as he was secretly envious of the women he dated and longed for the freedom of femininity. His relationships were complex, influenced by his own hidden desires. Injuries and personal struggles often brought his suppressed feelings to the surface. Following the end of a long-term relationship, Mark finally confronted the truth of his identity. Inspired by public transgender figures like Caitlyn Jenner and Kellie Maloney, he connected with the LGBT community, started hormone treatments, and chose the name Marie—the name she had always dreamed of giving to a daughter. Transitioning was daunting but pivotal, and when she came out to her racing friends, their support was overwhelmingly positive. Marie now resides in Newmarket, Suffolk, the heart of British horse racing, and is focused on competing and winning races as a woman, with her sights set on Royal Ascot. She remains attracted to women and maintains contact with her former partners. Marie is an advocate for transgender visibility in sports, hopeful that her journey will inspire others.