PEOPLE were out in force to support this year’s Jog for Jockeys in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys at the Currlagh last Saturday, some to run, walk or crawl the 5km track and others to cheer on from the sidelines.

Jockey Emmet McNamara stunned onlookers and you could practically hear the soundtrack of Chariots of Fire as he stormed the 5km in a brilliant time of 16.47, closely followed by Kevin Donagher from Rathfarnam AC in 17.37 and Paul Gibbons from Sliabh Buidhe Rovers AC in 18.00.

Former amateur rider, Michelle Cox was the first female to cross the line in a time of 19.22, beating her 2017 winning time of 20.12. Jennifer Pugh, former champion point-to-point lady champion, now Medical Officer for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, came second in a time of 23.08 with Sophie Webber a close third, with a time of 23.25.

The winning equine team was led by Dick Brabazon’s Rangers Lodge team which included Dick, Josh McLoughlin, Tomas Bradley, Grainne Whelan and Michelle Cox.

TOP TEAM

The winning team, called Jacksie’s Crew was also well represented by the racing fraternity and was made up by jockeys Keith Donoghue, Donagh Meyler, Bryan Cooper and Larry O’Carroll.

Not to be left out, others who took part included current champion amateur rider Patrick Mullins, Gary Halpin, Shane ‘Dusty’ Foley, Denis Hogan, Billy Lee, Ross Coakley, Denis O’Regan, Ronan Whelan, Kilian Leonard, Michael Hussey, Denis Linehan. Leading the National Hunt riders’ championship, Rachael Blackmore was also on hand to cheer home the runners. Chair of Irish Injured Jockeys Ruby Walsh was the official race starter and roared on his daughter Isabelle who came second in the girls’ under 12 category. Ruby’s wife Gillian and another daughter Elsa also took part.

Donations can still be made at www.irishinjuredjockeys.com.

See back page for more.