NICOLA CURRIE is a history maker.

The rising star of the weighing room is set to become the first woman to ride in Ascot's QEII Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day.

Jamie Osborne's stable jockey will partner 66-1 shot Raising Sand in today's Group 1 contest, a mudlark who's given her some of her best days in the saddle.

She said: "It's absolutely fantastic to become the first woman to ride in the race.

"I've always had big goals and this has been one of them. It's very exciting to be achieving what no-one else has done before."

Currie is no stranger to success, but admits her admirable mount faces a tough task.

Beaten out of sight in the Challenge Cup last time out, he'll need to produce a career best – for all that conditions are very much in his favour.

Currie continued: "It's obviously one of those races that's so hard to win.

"He didn't run his race last time, though, and you can put a line through that.

"It was a good performance at Haydock in the Superior Mile the time before and one thing he has to his advantage is that he's very consistent.

"You've got to be in it to win it and he'll love the ground."

Mostly campaigned at 7f, this is a different kettle of fish for Jamie Osborne's seven-year-old – but Currie thinks the extra distance won't be a hindrance.

She added: "He stays the mile.

"He's not as gassy as he was when he was younger and it won't be the distance that beats him.

"If we can get a good position early then there's no reason for him to fail because of stamina."

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