Ladies’ Day for transgender Victoria

ALWAYS ready to move with the times, the Queen could meet her first transgender person in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot this week. Former jockey Victoria Smith, who transitioned earlier this year from her previous life as Vince Smith, is to attend Ladies’ Day at the course.

Victoria, 53, will be visiting the Royal Enclosure as a guest of longterm member Georgea Blakey, former girlfriend of ex-champion jockey Richard Dunwoody.

‘She is not only very brave to have transitioned in the extremely macho environment of horse racing, but she is also a warm and witty friend and terrific fun to be with,’ artist Georgea tells me. ‘I usually bring my husband as my guest but, in honour of Victoria’s transition, I asked her to come as my guest on Ladies’ Day instead. She will also be able to give me lots of good racing tips.’

Victoria (right) has ridden more than 250 winners during a long racing career and was subsequently a successful trainer until 2008.