Charity 'ace' to ride at Wexford Jockeys’ agent, racing journalist and Charity Race ‘ace’ Niall Cronin is to ride in the concluding Campile Bumper at Wexford tomorrow evening, partnering point to point winner Emerald Pearl for trainer Philip Dempsey. Cronin, who combines writing for the Evening Herald newspaper with his role as a jockeys’ agent, has ridden the winners of each of the last two Charity Races at the Punchestown Festival. However, his riding goals are set lower than those expected of his jockeys. Cronin says “I ride out purely for the enjoyment factor and it is only four years since I first sat on a horse. Its a hobby I love and have been very lucky to have been on two good horses (Prospectorus and Jacksons Lady) which have won the last two Charity Races at the Punchestown Festival.” Regarding tomorrow’s mount, Cronin adds “Emerald Pearl is leased by a group of lads from Naas (Spoonerslane & Beyond Syndicate) and was a winner on the last day of the point to point season and we are hopeful of a good run from him. Jamie Codd won on him the last day and I’m grateful to the owners for ‘jocking off’ Jamie and giving me the chance!” He adds “I ride out whenever work allows me and I’d love to ride in the Charity Race at the Cheltenham Festival sometime.” Cronin adds “I have raised over €10,000 for the Kidney Research Fund in the three years I’ve ridden in the Punchestown Charity Races.” Cronin’s list of jockeys who employ him as an agent are Tom Doyle, Paddy Flood, Andrew Leigh, Eddie O’Connell, Conor Maxwell, Colin Bailey (based with Christy Roche) and Oliver Casey. Thomas Weekes
