Katie cooper


It was a memorable weekend for double BRS Graduate Katie Cooper as her first winning ride came in the televised Queen Mother's Cup Stakes for Amateur Lady Riders at York aboard Mull Of Dubai at 14-1.

Not only was the prize worth £12,500 for the horse's owners Katie won her own weight in champagne. This was Katie's 8th career ride since gaining her Amateur Licence at the British Racing School in 2005 and she gave punters an indication to her ability a few days earlier when finishing 2nd at 25-1 aboard Inspector Clouseau, again for her boss Tom Tate.

Katie initially came to the Racing School for her nine-week foundation course as a member of Course 169 in 2003 and completed her Apprenticeship the following year. In 2007 Katie completed the NVQ3 in Racehorse Care and Management.

Mull of Dubai's trainer Tom Tate suggested on the morning of the race that the quirky horse might run well for "Ice-cool Katie" as she was used to riding the horse at home and he was proved right by a well-timed run from last to first to land one of the flagship races for Amateur Riders.

Photographs courtesy of York Racecourse