Image © Healy Racing
Sophie Carter admitted that the last year has been 'a bit of a disaster', as she returned to the winner’s enclosure in style when partnering Let’s Go Champ to an eight-length success in the open at Oldtown.
The Oxford native endured two injury lay-off's that disrupted her momentum over the past 12 months.
“I had two separate injuries,” she explained. “The first fall was from racing. I broke my collarbone in March at Nenagh last year. Then the other was just a freak accident out schooling in the autumn and I fractured my ankle. I was only really properly back after Christmas.”
The interruptions made it difficult to build any real consistency.
“Last year just didn’t really happen for me. It was very stop-start.”
Oldtown therefore felt significant, particularly given that her previous success had come when landing the 2024 Ladies Derby at the Curragh aboard Set Point for Gordon Elliott, which was her first track winner.
“That was my last winner before this. It’s been a long time,” she said.
“The Ladies Derby was a brilliant day. To win that as your first track winner was very special. Hopefully I can build on that again now.”
Let’s Go Champ, owned by John Duggan and purchased in the autumn, was prepared patiently by Mags Mullins. Carter rides out at the yard twice a week and was given clear instructions ahead of Oldtown.
“He was bought around October time and they’ve done a great job with him.
“Danny Mullins gave me all the instructions on Friday and I just followed them to a tee. He told me to ride him patiently and it worked out. I don’t think we expected him to run quite as well as he did.”
Settled early, the 11-year-old Let’s Go Champ travelled strongly into contention before quickening clear in the straight to score decisively.
The plan now is to step into hunter chases, with the Foxhunters ambitions firmly in mind.
“That would be ideal. I would have loved to have targeted Cheltenham this year, but it just wasn’t possible. Hopefully we can go hunter chasing and see where it takes us.”
Carter began her racing career riding on the Flat with Eve Johnson Houghton before moving to Ireland initially for a summer.
“I just came over for a bit of fun and to learn a bit more, but I loved it over here. It’s more competitive and I really wanted to get into pointing, so I just never left.”
Crowned champion female point-to-point novice rider in the 2023/24 season, Carter spent four years working with champion handler Colin Bowe and rode her first point-to-point winner for him at Ballingarry in May 2023 aboard Croi Corcra.
Now based on the Carlow/Wexford border, she is freelancing while continuing to ride work for the Mullins yard.
Now based on the Carlow/Wexford border, she is freelancing while continuing to ride work for the Mullins yard.
“I’m riding out in Mags’ twice a week now and freelancing the rest of the time,” she explained. “I just felt like I needed a few more opportunities. Colin was very good to me and got me going.”
The change already appears to be paying dividends.
“Danny’s helped me a lot in the last few months. Riding work with him every week and him giving you tips. It’s definitely helped my race riding.”
Carter’s rehabilitation was aided by the team at RACE, and she cannot praise them highly enough.
“They were brilliant - Wayne, Gavin and Alannah. They helped me a lot last year. When you’re injured it can be quite depressing, but they keep you fit and strong and they’re always in good form, which helps.”
With confidence returning and a winner back on the board, the 26-year-old is hopeful Oldtown can mark the beginning of a more consistent spell.
“I’m hoping it might open a few more doors. The plan now is just to keep riding and hopefully get a few more winners.”
“I’m hoping it might open a few more doors. The plan now is just to keep riding and hopefully get a few more winners.”
