A freakish track work riding accident resulted in fledgeling jockey Sophia Malthus being left as an incomplete tetraplegic.

Pic: Sophia Malthus with her greyhound Bigtime Pink

The accident, which occurred early in her career, resulted in Sophia undergoing extensive spinal treatment at the Otara Spinal Unit followed by a rehab period at the Laura Fergusson Clinic.

Northern greyhound industry participants Craig and Morag Rendle decided to offer Sophia an introduction to greyhound racing and gifted her a quarter share in the promising young chaser Bigtime Pink from the Lisa Cole kennels.

After winning her first three races, then turning in a fourth placed Hatrick 305m sprint last Wednesday, Bigtime Pink, who is racing under the Bigtime Sophia Syndicate ownership, made her northern race debut at the Manukau Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Sophia, along with family attended the meeting. Early jostling led to Bigtime Pink being held in midfield traffic where she remained in her 318m dash. For Sophia, it was an experience that the nineteen-year-old really enjoyed.

“I was so excited. That was pretty cool alright. The people involved are so cool, as are the greyhounds. I really appreciate the support I have received especially from Morag and Craig. I’m going to get myself a pet greyhound – they are the perfect fit for me. It is so nice to be involved with these people,” she explained.
 

Sophia Malthus, flanked by Morag and Craig Rendle with the Bigtime Sophia Syndicate owned Bigtime Pink

Help Sophia pursue further treatment: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/sophiamalthushelp