Coninthian Challenge series for IJJ continues

Irish Injured Jockeys (IJJ) will once again run its charity racing series, The Corinthian Challenge, which will see at least ten amateur riders compete over three racecourses to raise funds for the charity and the jockeys it supports.

Last year the likes of Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, racing journalist Niall Cronin, and TV presenters Tracy Piggott and Sally Ann Grassick took part and helped to raise over €120,000 for Irish Injured Jockeys

The overall series winner was Alice Kavanagh, a student from Kildare who is currently studying equine at CAFRE College in Enniskillen.

The first race will take place on the July 16 at the Curragh over the one and a half miles of the Irish Derby track.

The second leg will be held on September 16 at Gowran Park over 1m4f, with the final race at Leopardstown over 1m2f on October 22.

Riders will each have a target to raise €10,000 in order to compete in the series, and they must have a reasonably high level of riding ability to ensure their own safety and that of their fellow competitors.

Riders will initially be assessed at the Racing Academy in Kildare on May 9. They will receive additional help and training from the academy and will be supported by some of Ireland's leading jockeys who have also pledged their support to the series.

The closing date for applicants to the Irish Injured Jockeys office is by Tuesday May 2, 2017.

Ruby Walsh, Chairman of IJJ said, “Last year's Corinthian Challenge was a great success. We were really delighted by the support of the riders who took this challenge so seriously. They fundraised really hard and showed huge commitment over the three races. Many trainers and owners also helped us by supplying horses for the races and encouraged our riders with great advice and support.''

Michael Higgins, General Manager of IJJ said, “We know it's a big commitment for the riders to enlist in this race but, as last year's competitors will testify, it's a really fun thing to be part of and each of the riders really enjoyed the experience.

"The tracks are first class and some of the horses who ran in last year's series went on to win some really prestigious races like Rock the World (Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham) and Labaik (Supreme Novices Hurdle)."

For further race information and to register your interest in riding in this year's charity series contact Irish Injured Jockeys, Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare, Co. Kildare.

Tel 00 353 45 533 011 or email [email protected]

Further information on www.irishinjuredjockeys.com and to donate, log onto www.corinthianchallenge.com