'Excited' Hayley Turner makes French connection

Trainer Francis Graffard has backed Hayley Turner to shine when Britain's most successful female Flat jockey relocates to France during the winter.

Turner retired from the saddle in 2015, but she has since made fleeting comebacks and now intends to take advantage of the 4.4lb female jockeys' allowance in all races across the Channel.

The 34-year-old will make the move to France once her role as analyst for ITV Racing finishes at the end of the domestic Flat season.

Turner has been recruited as a freelance jockey by leading French agent Herve Naggar, but she will work for Graffard in the mornings and will also receive plenty of rides from the Chantilly trainer.

Graffard told Press Association Sport: "I'm delighted Hayley is coming to France.

"One morning a few months ago she came to Chantilly to see some friends. She rode out for me and we had a discussion about her coming over in the winter.

"It's very good news and we hope she will enjoy her time in Chantilly.

"I plan to give her many rides and many opportunities as she is a great jockey and a great girl."

Turner admits the lure of being able to claim in all French races was the defining factor behind the decision.

She told the Opening Show on ITV: "If I can claim 4.4lb off some lads who probably haven't had as many winners as me, it's a no-brainer.

"I'm continuing to do my ITV work until the end of the season, but between now and then I'm going to to and fro to France a bit.

"I might come and go between now and the end of October but then base myself over there for the winter.

"I'm really excited. I like having something to get my teeth stuck in to."

Naggar expects Turner to be given "many opportunities" in France.

He said: "We spoke several times about this last month and now it is happening it is very exciting.

"She is one of the best female jockeys in Europe and because of the allowance she gets in our races, I think she will be given many opportunities.

"I'm very delighted to have her on my team."