Apprentice jockey Sophie Mitchell celebrated her first career win at Penola on Monday, guiding All Beans to victory in a Benchmark 64 handicap. After 19 winless rides since her debut in August, Mitchell took a positive approach from the barrier aboard the $3.80 favourite, trained by Justin Pickering, and led the field. Holding off a late challenge in the final 300m, Mitchell secured the win by two lengths.
Though Benchmark 64 wins are not typically cause for celebration, this victory was a significant milestone in Mitchell’s young career, with the jockey saluting past the post.
Mitchell is the latest success story from Racing SA’s Apprentice Academy, joining fellow 2024 first-time winners Tala Hutchinson, Brooke King, Polly Brewster, Ivy Lam, and Monika Wolanin.