THE Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series for Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ) at Leopardstown Racecourse came to a climax last Saturday when a total of 10 riders went to post in the final leg.

The exciting charity race for amateurs was won by Kilkenny man Michael O’Neill aboard Slate Lane for trainer Emmet Mullins in the colours of owner, Paul Byrne.

Speaking after the race winning rider Michael O’Neill said: “This is unbelievable, I absolutely loved it! I tried to follow Emmet Mullins’ 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!”

The overall winner of the series, Damien Moore, was also crowned at Leopardstown. Having won or been placed in all three races of the series Damien, had accumulated the most points, the highlight winning the opening leg of the challenge at Naas Racecourse.

Dream come true

This year’s 2023 Corinthian Challenge Champion Damien Moore made his lifelong dream come true having placed in all three races in the race series.

Damien won the opening leg of the series at Naas, finished second in race two at the Curragh and placing third aboard Noble Anthem in Leopardstown last Saturday, which lead him to collectively receive 22 points and winning the competition outright.

Michael Higgins, general manager, Irish Injured Jockeys commented: “What an exciting series it has been, each of our three races had different winners which is fantastic. The riders worked hard to raise awareness and funds for Irish Injured Jockeys throughout and we have had brilliant fun along the way too!”

The Corinthian Challenge is a popular annual 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, 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.

During the course of the series, challengers are also tasked with raising awareness and much needed funds for Irish Injured Jockeys. The Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series is an extremely successful fundraising initiative for Irish Injured Jockey.

To date, it has raised over €500,000, with this year’s crew within reach of their collective target of €100,000.

It’s not too late to donate and support their fundraising efforts online or indeed if you wish to express your interest in riding in the 2024 Corinthian Challenge for Irish Injured Jockeys simply visit www.corinthianchallenge.com.

From all at Irish Injured Jockeys and The Irish Field congratulations to all the participants, your commitment has been truly remarkable and unwavering throughout the series, you are all winners!