Well-known faces taking to the saddle this weekend for second leg of Corinthian Challenge

Amateur jockeys who have signed up to partake in this year’s Corinthian Challenge in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys are dusting off their silks as they prepare to compete in the second leg of the charity race series, set to take place in Gowran Park, Kilkenny this Saturday, September 16th.

Last year, amateur riders raised over €130,000 for Irish Injured Jockeys with the inaugural Corinthian Challenge. The racing challenge is made up of a three-part racing series where amateur riders race on some of the most competitive and challenging tracks in Ireland.  The first stage of the Corinthian Challenge already took place on the 16th of July at the Curragh when the riders raced on the 1.5 mile Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby track. That stage was won by Lynne McLoughlin from Baltinglass in Co. Wicklow. Lynne, who works as a work rider for trainer Jessica Harrington rode a confident race onboard ‘Nearly Famous’ winning the race by seven lengths to her nearest rival ‘Six Silver Lane’, ridden by Orla Donworth.

Following a grueling summer of training and preparation with the first series under their belts the 11 participants are looking forward to testing themselves and their mounts on the hallowed Kilkenny ground of Gowran Park. The physical training has been tough for the riders who must also raise €10,000 each in order to compete in the series, a challenge in itself.

Over the past few weeks there has been various impressive fundraising activities organised by the participants. Orla Dunworth from Baroda Stud held a tea morning at her parents’ house in Limerick with many neighbours and friends lending their support. Fiona Ahern, a full-time student in UCC from Ballyduff, West Waterford put on a Mr & Mrs Night with a theme of “How Well Do You Know Your Partner” which raised some giggles from the audience. Lynne McLoughlin who works with Jessica Harrington, auctioned off a morning with the acclaimed trainer as an inventive way of fundraising for Irish Injured Jockeys. Another participant, Patricia Newman from Rathowen, in Westmeath sold artisan food at last weekend’s Kilbeggan Races with the help of her partner John Rogan who provides racecourse catering at Kilbeggan.

Ruby Walsh, Chairman of Irish Injured Jockeys said, “With the first leg of the Corinthian Challenge down and two to go, the Corinthian Challenge riders are well on their way to hitting their €10,000 targets. We are lucky to have such an enthusiastic and creative bunch of riders who have thought of inventive and exciting ways to raise funds. We are beyond grateful for their hard work and to the trainers and owners who support the series as without them the Corinthian Challenge would not exist.”

The final race will take place on October 22nd at Leopardstown Racecourse. The overall winner will be announced that day having accumulated the most points over the series.