Amateur jockey Emily Jones is swapping her silks for a microphone in a bid to become Britain’s first female racing commentator.

The 39-year-old, from Fawler, near Wantage, has won her way through to the last eight of a national competition after commentating on a recorded race.

Now she will call a live race in the semi-finals at Doncaster on Sunday.

The winners will then commentate on a live race at Ascot on July 24 when they will be fighting it out to win a £2,500 prize and a place on the racing industry’s commentary training course.

Jones said: “I am so surprised to get through to the semi-finals, having only originally entered for a bit of fun.

“Horseracing has historically been a man’s world but, with more and more female jockeys and trainers breaking through, women are now being taken seriously.

“A female commentator is long overdue and although I don’t think I am likely to win, I am delighted that the opportunity has finally come along to have a go.”