Charlotte Sorby, the daughter of former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson, will make her debut as a racehorse trainer when she saddles her first runner on Saturday. The 44-year-old has taken out a training licence in South Australia and will send out Hello World at Morphetteville Parks in Adelaide.
A Racing Pedigree
Bryan Robson, now 69, is a Manchester United legend who served as the club's longest-serving captain, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups. He earned 90 caps for England, 65 as captain. Off the pitch, he followed horse racing, attending midweek meetings that manager Sir Alex Ferguson tried to ban him from, and owned horses including 13-time winner Taylormade Boy. He remains a regular racegoer, often alongside Ferguson, who has become a significant owner since retiring.
Charlotte Sorby has lived in South Australia for many years, working as a strapper (racehorse groom) in the racing industry. She has now obtained her training licence and will have her first runner on Saturday.
A Special First Runner
Speaking to Racing South Australia, Sorby said: "His name's Hello World. It's a horse for Viv Oldfield and Marilyn Smith. I actually used to ride his mother back when I worked for Marilyn for many years. And I just approached Marilyn and Viv about the opportunity to get my trainer's licence and if they were happy for me to have a little play around and have my first runner."
She added: "I did have aspirations to train one day, but you know, life happens. And I had two little girls in the meantime and they took a lot of priority. When Marilyn retired I came on board with Will Clarken. I've been here for six years now, and he's been a big catalyst in my push to get my trainer's licence."
Modest Expectations
Sorby is keeping her expectations in check for her debut. "I'm hoping just for a nice run, just not getting my expectations up too high. If we can just be in the top few, I'd be happy," she said.
A World Cup Birth
Charlotte Sorby was born during the 1982 World Cup, while her father was away with the England team. She recalled: "Dad was playing in the 1982 World Cup. Mum was due to have me and he actually scored the fastest goal in that World Cup. They brought him off the pitch and I'd been born, which he didn't know, and he was put in front of a camera and they videoed. My mum got all glammed up with her hair a couple of hours after having me and they had me on a live stream across to my dad. So the first time he saw me was during the 1982 World Cup."
Her family is excited about her new career. "They're very, very excited for me to have my first runner. Dad was involved in racing back in England in my early years but he hasn't had his horses for quite some time so I have to talk him into getting one," she added.
