Jockeys saddle up for Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series

THE Southside’s Leopardstown Racecourse will host the final leg of the 2019 Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series on Saturday, October 26.

Dublin locals, Yvonne Connolly, Richard Lombard and Stephen Thorne will be riding in their final race of the series this weekend, a challenge that they committed to several months ago and one that has involved a great deal of training and preparation.

It is all in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys, a national charity that raises money and awareness for our injured riders.

Retired Champion Jump Jockey, Ruby Walsh, Chairman of Irish Injured Jockeys said: “Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ) is most grateful to Yvonne, Richard, Stephen and all of those taking part in this year’s Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series.

“It takes a driven and committed person to sign up for it, someone who can get race fit and maintain that level for over four months.

“They have to work with trainers, source horses and raise funds through sponsorship and/or fundraising.

“Yvonne, Richard and  Stephen have been a pleasure to work with and the team and I at all at IIJ are most grateful for their efforts.”

Michael Higgins, General Manager of Irish Injured Jockeys, added: “This is the fourth year that we have run this challenge and it is as attractive to race entrants, racecourses and racegoers as it is for the media to really engage with.

“As long as there is an appetite for it and racing is happy to facilitate it, we will keep it going.

“The success of this series is very much dependant on the unwavering support of the racing community.

“We are extremely fortunate for the support of the owners and trainers who provide horses to participants to ride in these races, the racecourses that stage them and the racing officials who oversee each race for us, without whom this series would not be possible.

“It is a big commitment for Corinthian Challengers like Yvonne, Richard and Stephen to sign up for a challenge like this too.

“However, it really is the chance of a lifetime and one we are sure they will never forget. We already have people signing up to take part next year so if you’re interested, visit corinthianchallenge.com.”

Locals, Yvonne, Richard and Stephen would really appreciate your support to help them to raise much-needed funds for Irish Injured Jockeys.

Go to everydayhero.com and enter their name in the search bar. Twitter: @CorinthianChall | Facebook: The Corinthian Challenge.

Irish Injured Jockeys was set up in 2014 to increase awareness and raise vital funds to support injured jockeys.

Irish Injured Jockeys provide long-term care and guidance, not only when jockeys suffer injury through race-riding, but also when they need help in their secondary careers and in their lives after they have finished riding for a living.