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Final Leg of 2023 Corinthian Challenge in the Books

Kilkenny man Michael O'Neill, aboard Slate Lane (Ire) (Ask {GB}) for trainer Emmet Mullins in the colours of owner Paul Byrne, took the third and final leg of the 2023 Corinthian Challenge at Leopardstown on Saturday. The overall winner of the series, Damien Moore, was also crowned having won the opening leg at Naas Racecourse and placed in the other two legs to accumulate the most points.

The Corinthian Challenge is an annual charity race series run by Irish Injured Jockeys Fund to raise awareness and much needed funds for organization. Challengers are essentially volunteers who apply to participate in the three-race series, they each get the chance to experience first-hand what it is like to be a jockey from training and fitness to race preparation right through to riding on the track at Naas, the Curragh, and Leopardstown Racecourses respectively. To date, it has raised over €500,000, with this year's crew within reach of their collective target of €100,000.

“This is unbelievable, I absolutely loved it!” O'Neill said. “I tried to follow Emmet Mullins's instructions to the tee and he was spot on and the horse delivered for me in great style. I am so grateful to Emmet, the owner Paul Byrne and all the team in the yard for their support. The whole challenge has been amazing to be part of and I'd encourage anyone thinking about it to just go for it, it's for a great cause!”
For those interested in riding in the 2024 renewal or to donate, visit the Corinthian Challenge website.

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Final Leg of 2023 Corinthian Challenge Set for Saturday

The final race of this year's three-race Corinthian Challenge is set to take place at Leopardstown on Saturday, Oct. 21. The Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series provides aid to Injured Irish Jockeys and has raised in excess of €500,000 since its inception in 2016.

Corinthians participate in three races during the course of the challenge, each time at a different racecourse. Kildare man Damien Moore is currently on top of the leaderboard with 17 points, followed by Michael O'Neill and Martina Dempsey with 10 points each and Katy Brown and Niamh Ashe with five points, closely followed by Aimee Murphy with three points.

“In 2014 IIJ [Injured Irish Jockeys] was set up to increase awareness and raise vital funds to support our injured jockeys,” IIJ Chairman Ruby Walsh said. “The Corinthian Challenge is our biggest annual fundraiser, and we salute all those who participate in it each year. I wish all the contenders the very best of luck in Leopardstown next weekend, I hope they enjoy every minute of it because they are all stars! The Challenge could not exist without the continued support of trainers, owners and stable staff of competing horses and the co-operation of participating racecourses and IHRB officials. We are really grateful to all these people.”

To find out more about each challenger and to support them, visit the Corinthian Challenge website.

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Ireland’s Corinthian Challenge Back for 2023

The Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series is back this year, the Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ) announced on Friday. The six-race series offers riding enthusiasts the chance to experience what it's like to be a jockey riding over three of Ireland's best tracks while also raising awareness and much-needed funds for the IIJ.

This year's races will be held at Naas Racecourse on Aug. 27, The Curragh on Sept. 24 and Leopardstown Racecourse on Oct. 21.
Each rider is asked to raise €10,000 through sponsorship and/or fundraising, with all funds to go to Irish Injured Jockeys. Riders must also pass an interview and a training day to receive their licence from the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) in Co. Kildare. This year's Corinthian Challengers are Eimear O'Gorman, Jansseen Hill, Michael O'Neill, Martina Dempsey, Niamh Ashe, Damien Moore, Aisling Fitzell, Vivienne Connolly, Darren Dunne, Aimee Murphy, Abigail Reilly, Hazel Smith, Anna Cropper and Katie Brown.

“Following on from the previous success of the series, we wanted to build on it to make it very attractive for the participants, racecourses, racegoers and for the media to really engage with again this year,” Michael Higgins, General Manager of Irish Injured Jockeys, said. “I would like to thank this year's challengers as it is a big commitment to take part and raise much-needed funds for IIJ, to date the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

For more information visit The Corinthian Challenge website.

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Educational Bursary For Licensed Jockeys Launched By IIJ

A bursary scheme for all current or former licensed jockeys who wish to further their education, retrain or upskill was launched by the Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ) on Tuesday. Funded by the Pierce family in memory of their late mother Kathleen, who was an avid racegoer, the scheme will make grants available to support the educational and career development goals of all licensed jockeys. The aim is to provide jockeys with enhanced career prospects when they leave racing. Equuip, Horse Racing Ireland's education and training division, will support IIJ in managing the scheme.

Irish Injured Jockeys General Manager, Michael Higgins, said, “This educational bursary scheme has been made possible by the generous donation from the Pierce family and will allow Irish Injured Jockeys to offer practical supports for educational and career development for all licensed jockeys. This is an area where we plan to devote increased resources to and I would encourage any current or former licensed jockey, thinking of returning to education or training, to consider applying for financial support. We are grateful to Equuip for their knowledge and experience in helping to manage the scheme. Details of the scheme, including how to apply are available on our website.”

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