Your News & Star has teamed up with Carlisle Racecourse in the search to find and celebrate north and west Cumbria’s Most Amazing and Inspirational Lady.

On August 7, Cumbria’s premier racecourse hosts its #AmazingMonday race meeting – Carlisle’s most gloriously stylish sporting event of the year.

Along with the high fashion and fun in the paddock – which this year features a post-race party hosted by Radio 2’s Jo Whiley – the day is the world’s only all-female jockey race meeting.

#AmazingMonday famously honours inspirational women in sport so this year the racecourse wants to celebrate the achievements of an Amazing and Inspirational local lady… by naming a race in her honour!

This special female could be an unsung hero, a volunteer, a carer, someone who goes the extra mile for their loved ones and community, a youngster who has overcome the odds or whose dedication has seen them reach the top of their sport – in short, someone whose Amazing acts Inspire others.

We want to hear from you about the many inspirational things done by ladies young and old in north and west Cumbria. So please let us know by nominating these Amazing Ladies.

A panel of judges – made up of Carlisle Racecourse general manager Geraldine McKay, Olympic Gold Medallist and #AmazingMonday ambassador Sam Quek and News & Star news editor Emily Parsons – will pick one special lady to have a race named in her honour.

Geraldine said: “We are very proud of #AmazingMonday – the world’s only all-female jockey race meeting when all eyes will be on Carlisle. The meeting celebrates the many inspirational women in our sport from jockeys and trainers, to owners.

“We know that here in Cumbria there are many wonderful and inspirational women and girls whose amazing actions and feats deserve to be celebrated and shouted from the rooftops.

“So, we are delighted to team up with the News & Star to find a local inspirational lady – be they four or 104-years-old – and name a race in their honour. We can’t wait to see the nominations.”

Together with the race being named in their honour, the Amazing and Inspirational Lady will be treated to a VIP Day at the races with three guests.

Sam Quek, who won gold with the GB hockey team at Rio 2016, said: “I am delighted to be involved in the search for an Amazing and Inspirational Lady to be honoured in this special way at Carlisle Racecourse’s #AmazingMonday.

“I have had the pleasure to meet so many inspirational women in my life and it is only right such people and their achievements should be celebrated.

“I’m sure there are so many women and girls in Cumbria who deserve to have a race named in their honour as well as enjoying a VIP day at the races. I cannot wait to hear their amazing stories.”

Emily added: "We know from the stories we cover day in, day out that there are so many inspirational women in north and west Cumbria.

"If there's someone who inspires you and who deserves a real day of pampering, please tell us all about them."

You can nominate your inspirational lady - giving us their details and why they are so special - below. The closing date is July 21.

Tickets for #AmazingMonday can be bought now by either calling 0344 579 3002 or by going online at carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk

  • In Monday's News & Star : Sam Quek on how sportswomen are at the top of their game