NEXTGEN: Sorcha Woods

Next Generation | Rider

Name: Sorcha Woods

Age: 19

Area: Naas, Kildare

Sorcha Woods is the latest rider to feature in our Next Generation feature following her first career success between the flags at Punchestown on Sunday.

The 19-year-old made her point-to-point debut at Portrush in March 2019 aboard Notnowlove and was seen getting off the mark on her tenth attempt, with the victory being all the more special, as Punchestown is one of her local tracks.

The Naas native is in her final year of college at CAFRE in Enniskillen where she is studying Equine Management. After she finishes college Sorcha hopes to go riding out full-time and has already gained a great deal of experience from riding the CAFRE horses in point-to-points and from riding for David Christie, who she rides out for before college, along with Ted Walsh when home at weekends.

Are you from a racing background?

My parents are actually in the motor trade business, so no I don’t have a racing background. My two sisters were riding ponies when I was younger, so I followed them and started to take pony riding lessons and after that, I got into pony club and hunting. It all progressed from there.

How did you get started in racing?

When I was younger, I always used to prefer the faster events when riding ponies. I got a great buzz out of riding in the hunter trials and going hunting and I also used to love watching racing, so I suppose I had an interest from a young age.

Then when I was in third year of school I did a couple of weeks of work experience at Ted Walsh’s, and after he asked me if I would like to come in and ride out for him at weekends and school holidays, so I took up him up on his offer.

Where are you based now?

I am currently in college doing the Level 8 Equine Management course at CAFRE in Enniskillen. It’s a great course, I like the fact that it is more practical than some of the other college’s who offer equine courses. I start riding out at 7am and then during the day I have classes that involve learning about the science of horses and also the business side of managing horses.

I still ride out for Ted on the weekends that I am home from college.

You have had the opportunity of riding the College’s racehorses in point-to-points can you tell me about that?

My first ride for the college was on Notnowlove at Portrush last year. Milano Citizen was one of the better horses I rode for them, she came third twice for me last year, first at Oldcastle and then at Necarne.

How has the course at CAFRE helped you with your riding?

I have learned a good bit from Ted and Katie Walsh from riding out at their yard before I began the course, but the course has been great for gaining experience in race riding and it has also been great to learn the theory side of horses, why you are doing what you’re doing and the correct way of doing things.

Have you ridden out for anyone else to date?

Ted put me in contact with David Christie when I started at Enniskillen as he is only 20 minutes from the college, so I ride out for David a couple of days a week. I also ride out for him at weekends when I’m not at home riding out at Ted’s.

What are your plans when you finish college in May?

I want to ride out full-time in a yard, but I have nothing organised yet. I have also applied for a couple of internships in the industry, but I think my main focus will be riding.

You were delighted with your win on Horendus Hulabaloo on Sunday?

I was absolutely over the moon and it was also great that it was for David Christie. He has given me lots of opportunities since I’ve started riding out for him, so it just made it that little bit more special when the win was for him.

We weren’t really expecting him to win as that kind of ground doesn’t suit him, so it was definitely a surprise when I came home in front.

I had ridden Horendus Hulabaloo twice before in points and I also ride him out when I’m in David’s, so I knew the horse well.

What’s the plan with Horendus Hulabaloo now?

He will stay running in the open races in points and he also might aim him at a hunter chase towards the end of the season.

What are your ambitions now for the season?

The aim is to get as many rides as I can and hopefully get another winner.

What do you think about the opportunities for novice riders in point-to-pointing?

It’s great to have a level playing field and ride in races with those who have the same experience. It’s good having the races there as it provides opportunities for riders like myself to gain more experience and get rides on the better horses.

Who has been your biggest influence in racing?

It would have to be Ted and Katie Walsh. I’ve been with them since the beginning and they have taught me everything I know. They have been very good to me and I have gained a lot of experience schooling and riding work in the yard, so I am very grateful to them.

Can you tell me about one of your earliest racing memories?

Going point to pointing with Katie to Glenbane with a horse called Salsa Sensation, I led the horse up for Ted and the horse won on the day, so it was great!

Do you do any sport outside of racing?

I play football at home for my local club.

How do you relax away from racing?

I still have my own half-breds at home, me and my sisters buy younger horses and we bring them on and sell them, so I when I am not racing, I am doing that.