By Jordan Gerrans
Growing up with little involvement or knowledge of the racing industry, it was an Off-The-Track galloper who sparked the idea for a career as a jockey for Sophie Blunt.
The 21-year-old made her maiden appearance at the races late last month at Thangool, taking the first two rides of her apprenticeship.
The Sunshine Coast-based hoop heads to Bundaberg 14 days on from her debut with a strong book of engagements and is optimistic her first winner is not far away.
Blunt grew up in Narangba and was involved with pony club, showing and eventing, but did not get bitten by the “racing bug” until after she finished school.
It was a retired race horse by the name of Eau Rouge that eventually pushed her towards pursuing a career in the industry.
Now a 10-year-old mare, Eau Rouge never did make it to the race track after being in work for some time in early 2016.
The daughter of Casino Prince can now take all the credit for the new apprentice jockey's love of the sport.
“I could not tell you anything about racing or race horses at that stage until I got an Off-The-Track horse,” Blunt remembers.
“She never raced but she was pretty crazy as a horse.
“She was beautiful but she was crazy.
“She was a great show jumper and now my sister rides her, as well.
“I did pony club, showing and eventing with her, my mum used to drag us around to every hack show in Queensland as kids.”
After taking her first steps as an apprentice under Caloundra trainer Tony Haydon, Blunt has since transferred over to fellow Corbould Park trainer Gary "Jack" Duncan.
While Blunt says she learnt plenty under Haydon, she thinks it is key to be working for a stable with a large number of gallopers in work, which the former Tolga-based trainer Duncan does.
She initially rode track work for Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Sheila Laxon on the Sunshine Coast before heading to leading trainer Robert Heathcote’s barn for a period of time in Brisbane, where she rode classy mare Startantes.
Blunt has been with Duncan since July of this year and has not looked back.
“He is a very good person to look after me, he really cares about me,” Blunt said.
“He is such a good person to work for, he certainly took me under his wing.
“It was the best decision I have ever made going to work for Jack.
“I am very lucky to work for him and hopefully I can stay with him for my entire apprenticeship.”
Haydon always thought Blunt showed promise in the saddle.
“Young Sophie Blunt will be good,” Haydon said about a year ago.