WITH the sixth running of the Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series complete for 2023, organisers are already planning next year’s event!

Michael Higgins, general manager, Irish Injured Jockeys, commented: “We always strike while the iron is hot and call for applications while the Challenge is still to the forefront of people’s minds. Many will have watched the series in recent months, know someone who took part, or perhaps toyed with the idea of signing up this year and for whatever reason it just didn’t happen. Today, could be the day you decide to bite the bullet and sign up for the 2024 Corinthian Challenge, an experience you’ll never forget!”

The Corinthian Challenge offers participants a once in a lifetime opportunity like no other, the chance to experience what it is like to be a jockey riding at some of Ireland’s best tracks.

The series is limited to amateur riders and those who have an A1 licence can apply once they have no more than five winners, others will be assessed at RACE and will undergo an interview process prior to acceptance. Participants will also have a fundraising target of €10,000 for Irish Injured Jockeys, must maintain their weight and fitness throughout the series, and engage in race coaching to understand how to ride a race and each course effectively.

Riders will not only have the chance of winning each race and will also accumulate points for placings throughout the series with the overall winner of the series to be announced at the final race.

Previous Corinthian Challengers describe the series as, “unbelievable”, “the best experience of my life”, “adrenaline pumping”, “the ultimate personal challenge”, “a thousand dreams come true” and “epic”! To register your interest go to: corinthianchallenge.com/apply-for-2024/

RUBY Walsh, chairman of Irish Injured Jockeys, was keen to thank all those involved: “This event is only possible due to the commitment and energy of the participants and their supporters. IIJ and all jockeys are very grateful to you and we hope you enjoyed the experience. There are many people working behind the scenes, in particular I would like to acknowledge and thank the owners, trainers and stable staff without whom Irish Injured Jockeys wouldn’t have the ‘horse power’ to keep this series going. Thanks also to staff at participating racecourses, valets and all IHRB staff at each race meeting who gave us their time outside of their working day.”

Irish Injured Jockeys would like to extend their thanks to Mark Costello, editor of The Irish Field and his predecessor Leo Powell for their support of this weekly column during the course of the challenge.

IRISH Injured Jockeys Christmas Cards are always a nice touch for any business in the industry and all proceeds raised goes entirely to injured riders most in need of support. Cards can be purchased from the TRI Equestrian store on the Curragh or online at www.triequestrian.ie. They can also be purchased in Berney Brothers Saddlery, The Irish National Stud and at weekend race meetings leading up to Christmas. IIJ Calendars for 2024 will be available for purchase from the same sources in mid-November.