Episode 401: Anna Roper

She’s disappointed, frustrated and very bored. Anna Roper still can’t believe a freak accident at Muswellbrook in November has halted an amazing trot that brought her 56 wins in seven months. She talks of the accident that stirred up an old injury. Like most horse people, Anna couldn’t believe that a horse would buck after having galloped 1450m. The young jockey reflects on the soccer injury that damaged her right knee in the first place. She says she became a couch potato during a long recovery. Anna talks of her earliest involvement with horses following in the footsteps of two older sisters. She looks back on some satisfying achievements in the dressage and eventing pursuits. Anna admits she muddled her way through early schooling but got serious when the HSC approached. She says her early intentions were to seek a career as a veterinary nurse, but all of that changed when she started riding trackwork for Gosford trainer Greg McFarlane. Later she sought and was given an apprenticeship by Wyong trainer Tracey Bartley. Anna looks back on the life changing day when trainer Tony Newing invited her to ride a horse at Gundagai. The horse won, and the national Sky Racing audience saw her infectious smile for the first time. She takes us through the events of her special day. Few junior riding careers have “taken off” as quickly. She talks of the amazing support she’s received from a wide range of trainers  and some of her favourite horses so far. Anna says her boss Tracey Bartley is keeping her away from the city lest she burn up her allowance too quickly. The young jockey talks of her reaction to being in front of James McDonald on the NSW premiership early in the season. Anna acknowledges some of the assistance she’s received from other female jockeys. She closes with a comment on the tedious months ahead.