THIS week we caught up with Corinthian challenger Katy Brown as she prepares for this once in a lifetime charity race series together with Irish Injured Jockeys.

Q: Why did you sign up for the Corinthian Challenge?

After holding a trainer’s licence for the last few years, I have witnessed first-hand the daily struggles of a jockey. From injury to career changes and even mental health.

It’s not just about the glamour of riding big festival winners. By taking part in the Corinthian Challenge, not only do I get to take part in three races at some of Ireland’s most prestigious racetracks, but also all sponsorship and donations I raise go towards this worthy charity.

Q: Do you have any family background in racing or where did your interest come from?

I grew up around horses. My father Joey was a flat jockey and was apprentice to Ian Balding. He also rode for Sheikh Mohammed out in Dubai before Godolphin was born. My mother Rachel was racing secretary and P.A. to Sue and Harvey Smith.

My first pony Merrylegs was actually stabled in Sue and Harvey’s yard and I used to ride her out with the string of racehorses on weekends and school holidays.

After competing in showing and show jumping as a young girl I was finally bitten by the racing bug and started riding out for Dandy Nicholls.

Q: How is your training going and who is helping you?

I count myself very lucky that I am able to ride out two or three lots for myself daily. I also own a racehorse who is just starting back in work so I spend an hour every evening exercising.

Alongside riding out I enjoy cycling and try to fit in as much as possible. I’m also hoping to get a few lessons on the simulator in RACE to bring my fitness along further as well as my style and position.

Q: What do you do for a living?

A few years back I decided to go out on my own and train racehorses. I have trained winners in both Ireland and Britain under both codes, most notably winning the Ragusa Premier Handicap on Derby weekend two years ago (with Effernock Fizz) and also training the second placed horse in the Apprentice Derby on the same weekend.

It was such a great result for a small yard.

Q: What fundraising plans are you working on?

I’m currently organising a charity night to raise funds, I’m hoping to have a good night with music, karaoke and also a raffle. I have kindly been donated some lovely raffle prizes from the Silken Thomas, Lawlors Hotel in Naas and UK-based artist Phil Boulton has painted the most beautiful picture of Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore for me.

I am also very lucky to have received sponsorship from Manguard Plus Ltd and BBA Ireland as well as online donations from family and friends.

Q: Who are your racing heroes and why?

I have a couple, Willie Mullins and Aidan O’Brien being two of them. They are both marvellous trainers, world class. The way they get their horses to perform at the highest of levels is incredible.

I also think J.P. McManus is fantastic for the sport. He supports a lot of smaller trainers as well as the big ones and he contributes a lot of funding towards horse racing through prize money and sponsorship.

If you’d like to support Katy Brown, visit https://irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com/pf/katy-brown.