Marie Slater

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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.

Amber Higgins

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Amber began riding horses as a child, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of the UK’s most celebrated professional jockeys by her mid-20s. Known for her tenacity and unparalleled skill on the track, she took the world by storm, earning multiple notable victories and accolades. Five years ago, the British Empire honored her with a CBE for her contributions to horse racing, both on and off the track. Parallel to her riding career, Amber cultivated a glamorous public image, becoming a favorite subject for fashion photo shoots. Some campaigns, like a particularly bold editorial for Loaded magazine, received mixed reactions — some praised her daring style, while others felt it didn't match her poised persona. Nonetheless, Amber has always maintained control over her public image, evolving from sports star to respected media pundit. Today, Amber is a national TV pundit, combining her expert knowledge of horse racing with her love of fashion—a rare voice that bridges two worlds. She’s known for her insightful commentary and her elegant presence on screen. At major events like Royal Ascot, she doesn’t just talk horses; she’s also a key voice on fashion, particularly on Ladies Day. Amber is on location in the paddock, reviewing the horses lined up for the upcoming race. Elegant in her Ascot attire, she balances a deep respect for tradition with a modern sensibility in her commentary—celebrating both the sport and the style. Though no stranger to royalty through her CBE honor, each Royal Ascot feels special, and she carries a quiet pride representing her sport at such a prestigious event.

Daniela Finch

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Born into a wealthy family in Ireland, Daniela was raised with every advantage. She met her husband, James Finch, at a social gathering when she was in her late twenties. They married a year later and were inseparable until his untimely passing three years ago. James was a successful businessman with a range of interests, including horse breeding and racing. After his death, Daniela found solace in continuing his work and hobbies. She took over the management of his business ventures and threw herself into the world of flat racing, where she discovered a natural talent. Daniela is the owner of Finch Stables, a renowned horse breeding and training operation that has produced several champion flat racehorses. One of her horses, "Emerald Dream," is running in the prestigious Royal Ascot, a major highlight of the racing calendar. Despite her newfound success in the racing world, Daniela still feels the weight of her loss and often finds herself thinking about what James would be doing if he were still alive. She's become close to James's former trainer and racing staff, who have been instrumental in helping her navigate the complexities of the sport. Daniela is known for her philanthropic work, particularly in supporting equine welfare charities and initiatives that promote Irish culture and heritage.