BLUEGRASS Horse Feeds sales representative and feed advisor Craig Kileff is among 16 riders who have signed up for the 2022 Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series which is making its return to the calendar following a two-year break because of Covid-19.

The riders each have to raise €10,000 through sponsorship and fund-raising to take part in the three-race series in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys.

They must also raise awareness of the IIJ and its mission “to make a real difference to the lives and welfare of jockeys, past and present, and their families by raising funds to provide enhanced help, care and support”.

Zimbabwe

Craig, who admits to being in his mid-50s, has always had a love of racing which began in his native Zimbabwe. “Back in my pony days, we used to have races at the gymkhanas and bush meetings but I’ve never ridden in an organised race as such.

“When I was a kid, I wanted to be a jockey but I grew too big to be accepted into the jockeys’ academy in South Africa so I just used to ride out for different yards in Zimbabwe.

“I then moved to England to work in a breaking and pre-training yard and I worked at Warren Place with Henry Cecil for a couple of seasons, during the time Old Vic was there. I had hoped to train when I went home but I never had the time to do so as I was running the family farm where we had a beef herd, grew tobacco, maize and paprika until, when things destabilised, we left the country to move north in 2003.

Fitness

“I’m now working hard on my fitness and, when I can find the time, I ride out for Stuart Crawford and Caroline McCaldin. The first race is at the Curragh on July 17th and I hope to have a horse lined up for it.” Craig, who lives just outside Armagh City, has probably played down his current fitness levels as he plays high level polocrosse and has represented Ireland on the veterans’ team.

For news and updates on the Challenge follow @CorinthianChall on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram while, to support Craig, see his dedicated Go Fund Me page.