SUCCESS STORY: Charlotte Jones
Published: Friday 29 May 2026A University Centre Myerscough equine graduate has bought the curtain down on her career in the saddle.
Charlotte Jones graduated with a degree in Equine Science in 2016, and retired this week after riding her final winner at a meeting at Cartmel.
It was the 86th winner of her career which began when she joined trainer Jimmy Moffatt’s yard in the Cumbrian village on work experience in 2015, while a Myerscough student.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Charlotte said: "It felt fitting to be at Cartmel. I had my first ride, my first winner, my first ride over fences and I rode out my claim there.
"I'd rather go out while I'm still wanted in the saddle than fade away, especially if I'm going to be going into training. I don't want people to think of me as a has-been or someone who's lost her touch."
Charlotte, from Barrow-In-Furness, won her first race on Lough Kent at Cartmel in 2017, and her best season was 2022-23, when she rode 23 winners.
"I turned 30 a couple of years ago and that was quite an eye-opener, you suddenly think 'where's the last ten years gone' so that was a turning point,’’ she added.
"We've also had a poor couple of seasons, which starts to take its toll. I'm quite determined and ambitious so I'm always thinking it's fine, keep going, but I've been struggling with a back injury since before Christmas.
‘’It's not stopped me riding but you struggle most mornings when you get up and think, 'I'm only 31, if this is what I'm walking like now, what am I going to be like in another 30 years?'
"I thought it was the right time. I wanted to try and get some pre-training horses in over the summer, maybe a couple of point-to-pointers to go at for next season before I think about starting training. I've got one module left to do, then I hope I can tip away at getting my training licence.
Reflecting on her career, she said: "I was delighted with the double at Aintree and riding at the Cheltenham Festival. I'd have loved a winner there and a spin over the National fences but I wasn't ready as a jockey when we had those type of horses in the yard and time waits for no-one, I can't keep waiting for that."
Jimmy Moffatt said: "She was a local girl, born in Barrow, with no background in racing and it shows what people can do. She's gone out on a winner and you have to take your hat off to her. It's the end of an era for our yard.
"I remember when she first joined us. She was doing an equine degree at the time and came in three or four days a week and was a very hard worker, and she's always had a very good work ethic and a talent for riding.
‘’She was a good rider technically, although she obviously had to turn into a jockey. I half threw her in at the deep end but she kept riding winners for us."
A spokesperson for Cartmel Racecourse said: ‘’Charlotte first came here with Pony Club as a young rider, long before beginning her career in 2016.
‘’With multiple Jockeys Challenge titles under her belt, and over 150 races, she hasn't just raced here — she's become a part of race days at Cartmel.
‘’It's safe to say that every time Charlotte was in the irons, you knew you were watching someone special.
Congratulations on an incredible career, Charlotte. It's been a privilege having you race here.’’
Just after Charlotte graduated from Myerscough, we sat down with her for a lengthy chat about her time as a student. You can watch it here.
Congratulations Charlotte, and we wish you all the very best for your future career within the equine industry.