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Henry Sopp
Henry Sopp
1837/38-1907
1837/38-1907
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Henry Sopp rode winners from 1855 to 1871, though with other jockeys of that name active during this period, and often initials of the successful jockeys not given, it is difficult for say exactly how many.
Henry Sopp rode winners from 1855 to 1871, though with other jockeys of that name active during this period, and often initials of the successful jockeys not given, it is difficult for say exactly how many.
The eldest of three jockey brothers to ply their trade between the mid-1850s and early 1870s, Henry’s first win was at Newton (the forerunner of Haydock Park) on April 10, 1855, when Venison, owned by Mr Parr, won the Scurry Handicap by a length, besting three rivals. A second success followed at Bridgwater on August 7 that year, when Little Davie easily won the Free Handicap, again beating three rivals.
The eldest of three jockey brothers to ply their trade between the mid-1850s and early 1870s, Henry’s first win was at Newton (the forerunner of Haydock Park) on April 10, 1855, when Venison, owned by Mr Parr, won the Scurry Handicap by a length, besting three rivals. A second success followed at Bridgwater on August 7 that year, when Little Davie easily won the Free Handicap, again beating three rivals.
Henry’s most successful year was probably 1856, during which he rode nine winners. There were seasons when he did not have a winner, but he nonetheless had three rides in the Derby. They were Lambourn (owned by Mr Parr) in 1857, Seven Dials in 1861, and Izaak Walton in 1864. All three were rank outsiders and none of them featured.
Henry’s most successful year was probably 1856, during which he rode nine winners. There were seasons when he did not have a winner, but he nonetheless had three rides in the Derby. They were Lambourn (owned by Mr Parr) in 1857, Seven Dials in 1861, and Izaak Walton in 1864. All three were rank outsiders and none of them featured.
None of those, however, was as good as Leamington, the best horse Henry rode during his career and on whom he won several races. Leamington was subsequently exported to America as a stallion and became the sire of Iroquois, the first American-bred horse to win the Epsom Derby.
None of those, however, was as good as Leamington, the best horse Henry rode during his career and on whom he won several races. Leamington was subsequently exported to America as a stallion and became the sire of Iroquois, the first American-bred horse to win the Epsom Derby.
Although successful as a jockey, Henry was better known as a trainer, based at Whitsbury. He trained and rode his own horse Milly in the 1862 Oaks. Although the filly was unplaced, she had won twice earlier in the season, with Henry aboard for one of those victories, the Knighton Handicap at that course on April 23.
Although successful as a jockey, Henry was better known as a trainer, based at Whitsbury. He trained and rode his own horse Milly in the 1862 Oaks. Although the filly was unplaced, she had won twice earlier in the season, with Henry aboard for one of those victories, the Knighton Handicap at that course on April 23.
His last win appears to have been at Ludlow on October 13, 1871, when his mount Conspiracy landed the Fernley Hall Nursery Handicap by a head. (Flat racing at Ludlow ceased in 1876.)
His last win appears to have been at Ludlow on October 13, 1871, when his mount Conspiracy landed the Fernley Hall Nursery Handicap by a head. (Flat racing at Ludlow ceased in 1876.)
Henry Sopp had plenty of winners, both as an owner and trainer. However, on Tuesday, November 19, 1907, he was found dead, having committed suicide by hanging. He was 69. It was reported that he had been worried by family troubles.
Henry Sopp had plenty of winners, both as an owner and trainer. However, on Tuesday, November 19, 1907, he was found dead, having committed suicide by hanging. He was 69. It was reported that he had been worried by family troubles.
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