A MARKETING assistant from York Racecourse is hoping to become Britain’s first female race commentator.

Sophie Monkman has reached the quarter-finals of a competition organised by lovetheraces.com which were being held today.

Sophie is pictured getting some tips from professional commentator Lee McKenzie at York Racecourse’s last race day.

He said: “This is a great initiative and I was impressed by Sophie’s entry. It looks like the competition will be tough, so I hope I’ve helped find another York winner.”

Sophie, who is a keen horse rider and racing fan said Clare Balding was her favourite TV presenter. “When I was little I used to pretend to be Clare so when the chance to actually commentate came up, I couldn’t resist it,” she said.

The winner will be invited to commentate on a live race at Ascot, on July 24 as well as receiving a cash prize of £2,500.