THE Corinthian Challenge is a charity race series run by Irish Injured Jockeys Fund to raise awareness and much needed funds for the national charity.

Challengers are essentially volunteers who apply to participate in the three-race series, these challengers have been put through their paces as part of a thorough interview process, completed an assessment at RACE to ensure they are competent in the saddle and they each have a target of €10,000 to raise via their Just Giving page.

Then the real work starts as they take on the inevitable health and fitness regime and months of riding out, which goes hand in hand with partaking in the series.

In honour of their commitment and participation in this once in a lifetime charity race series together with Irish Injured Jockeys we are delighted to bring you their profiles, news and updates over the coming months.

As part of our ongoing support of Irish Injured Jockeys and their Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series this week we caught up with Laura Bennett to give her the opportunity of a profile piece and to assist her fundraising efforts.

Laura Bennett is from Co Kildare and currently works at the Irish National Stud, a thoroughbred horse breeding facility, where she cares for the mares and foals.

She started working at the Irish National Stud in 2016 and now runs the Kildare Yard during the breeding season.

Her mother was the first professional lady jockey to win over jumps in Ireland in 1984 and her father was a well-known farrier; she grew up steeped in horses and ponies.

Family background

It is this strong family background with horses, her love of the sport and the fact her mother was a jockey that led Laura to take part in this year’s challenge.

Experienced in most equine disciplines, Laura has ridden ponies and horses from a very early age.

In the past, she has competed in the RDS Dublin Horse Show with great success. She is also a qualified riding instructor and is passionate about teaching others.

Commenting on the series, Laura said: “I have set myself this challenge as I have always wanted to experience riding in a race. After hearing feedback from friends who have previously competed in it, I have been told it is the best experience and challenge of their lives.

“For this reason, I am excited to get going and for you to follow my journey. Thank you everyone for your kind support.”

With two races to go, the series is still wide open and there are months ahead of our Corinthian Challengers to look forward to including races at Gowran Park and Leopardstown.

To stay up to date on all things Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series related visit corinthianchallenge.com or follow IIJ and the Corinthian Challenge on social media. If you would like to support Laura Bennett or indeed any of the Corinthian Challengers please visit justgiving.com/campaign/corinthianchallenge2022.