Sophie Ralston's plea to trainers: I deserve more rides – take a chance on me

Jockey Sophie Ralston wrote to the Racing Post letters page, passionately stating her case why she deserves more opportunities. Here is her letter.

If I went out on the golf course with Rory McIlroy, played 18 holes in front of a large paying crowd and beat him, what would happen, I wonder?

If I beat Roger Federer in a tennis match at Wimbledon, would people be interested?

If my bike was in a photo-finish with Chris Froome’s as we crossed the line, would I perhaps be invited on to popular TV shows?

I am a jockey, a female jockey. I have been one since January 2013 when I had my first win, so I’ve been riding for a good while now.

Like many a good racehorse I have good staying power and have been riding for Pat Phelan in Epsom since May 2012. Last year was my most successful with nine winners.

I don’t need to explain to any race lover what the thrill of a win is like, but I had an extra reward this year when I won the Apprentice Training Series.

I had to turn professional in September because of my age. I turned 26, which meant I could no longer ride as an apprentice. I can, however, still claim my 7lb allowance. However, since then I have not been offered many rides.

I am a jockey and what do jockeys do? We ride in horseraces.

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I have never played golf with Rory McIlroy, tennis with Roger Federer or cycled against Chris Froome. However, I have competed with some of the best British and Irish Flat jockeys and have actually finished ahead of them on occasions, including Ryan Moore, Silvestre de Sousa and last year’s leading rider Oisin Murphy.

Racing is unique in that inexperienced jockeys can compete on equal terms with very successful ones. But what is a successful jockey? One who wins lots of races.

I could win lots of races too if I were given better opportunities. I know I could make the odd mistake, but there isn’t a jockey out there who never makes one.

Trainers, you’re allowed to gamble. Take a chance on me.

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