24 July 2016 Former hoop Libby Hopwood joins Sky Racing In a coup for Sky Racing, former jockey Libby Hopwood is joining the racing broadcaster’s on-air talent line-up. Hopwood made the move from Adelaide to Sydney on Sunday and will have her first shift at Sky Racing on 8 August. Punters will initially see the former star jockey on Formline Extra on Sky Thoroughbred Central (FOXTEL channel 528) as a form analyst. Hopwood said she’s nervous but excited for the challenge. “I have some ongoing memory deficits from the fall, so it is definitely going to be a challenge, but I was so excited to get the initial phone call from Sky,” Hopwood said. “Sky offers a training division for young people and from this I’ll gain presenting and hosting skills as well as life skills. I always wanted to get into the media post my riding career.” Hopwood suffered a career ending fall at Murray Bridge in late 2014. The same race claimed the life of her close friend Caitlin Forrest. Hopwood initially thought she would have no trouble getting back in the saddle, but with the realisation that wasn’t going to happen she began studying and working towards a media career. Tabcorp’s Head of Media Communications and Talent, Adam Hamilton recognised Hopwood’s potential and initially reached out to her. “We are thrilled to welcome Libby Hopwood into Sky Racing’s stable of stars. Her success in the saddle, intimate knowledge of the sport and passion will be great assets across our live racing coverage and magazine shows,” Hamilton said. “Libby joins other successful female former jockeys like Bernadette Cooper, Priscilla Schmidt and Chantelle Buckley in the Sky team. We are delighted to create media opportunities for them beyond their riding careers.” For more information: Rebecca Ludbrook Tabcorp Corporate Affairs Advisor (03) 9868 2367 Rebecca.ludbrook@tabcorp.com.au