Charles Sopp
Charles Sopp
Charles Sopp
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Charles Sopp had a brief career with a total of 33 winners spread over five seasons between 1869 and 1873. Had he not lost a hand in a shooting accident in November 1873, he might well have gone on to greater success like his brother George.
Charles Sopp had a brief career with a total of 33 winners spread over five seasons between 1869 and 1873. Had he not lost a hand in a shooting accident in November 1873, he might well have gone on to greater success like his brother George.
Charles was one of three jockey brothers to ply their trade between the mid-1850s and early 1870s. He rode his first winner at Monmouth on September 24, 1869 when Snowdon, owned by his elder brother Henry, beat three rivals to win the Somerset Plate. Later that same afternoon he doubled his total when Her X.L.N.C. won the Wye Stakes and survived an objection for going the wrong side of a post.
Charles was one of three jockey brothers to ply their trade between the mid-1850s and early 1870s. He rode his first winner at Monmouth on September 24, 1869 when Snowdon, owned by his elder brother Henry, beat three rivals to win the Somerset Plate. Later that same afternoon he doubled his total when Her X.L.N.C. won the Wye Stakes and survived an objection for going the wrong side of a post.
The nearest Charles came to winning a big race was the following year on October 11, 1870 when his mount Not Out finished second in the Cesarewitch, beaten six lengths by Cardinal Yor, ridden by Henry Parry.
The nearest Charles came to winning a big race was the following year on October 11, 1870 when his mount Not Out finished second in the Cesarewitch, beaten six lengths by Cardinal Yor, ridden by Henry Parry.
He rode a treble at Worcester on October 31, 1871, winning the Handicap Plate on Worthy, the Selling Stakes on Log Line and the Nursery Plate on Comedienne.
He rode a treble at Worcester on October 31, 1871, winning the Handicap Plate on Worthy, the Selling Stakes on Log Line and the Nursery Plate on Comedienne.
His final win was at the Tiverton and North Devon meeting on August 14, 1873, when Venison won the North Devon Handicap Plate. He had what was to be his final ride on November 6 that year when Blessington finished unplaced in the Selling Stakes. Within a few weeks his career was over, aged just 17, following the tragic accident that resulted in the loss of a hand.
His final win was at the Tiverton and North Devon meeting on August 14, 1873, when Venison won the North Devon Handicap Plate. He had what was to be his final ride on November 6 that year when Blessington finished unplaced in the Selling Stakes. Within a few weeks his career was over, aged just 17, following the tragic accident that resulted in the loss of a hand.
In June 1874, Charles was granted £10 from the Bentinck Benevolent Fund.
In June 1874, Charles was granted £10 from the Bentinck Benevolent Fund.
In mid-November, 1873, Charles suffered a career-ending accident.
In mid-November, 1873, Charles suffered a career-ending accident.
Charles's first winner: September 24th, 1869 at Monmouth
Charles's first winner: September 24th, 1869 at Monmouth
Charles rode a treble at Worcester on 31 October 1871: Worthy was the first leg
Charles rode a treble at Worcester on 31 October 1871: Worthy was the first leg
Logline and Comedienne were the last two legs
Logline and Comedienne were the last two legs
The nearest Charles came to riding a big winner was when finishing second
The nearest Charles came to riding a big winner was when finishing second
on Not Out in the 1870 Cesarewitch after making much of the running.
on Not Out in the 1870 Cesarewitch after making much of the running.