Blog

After a two year break due to Covid-19, the challenge of a lifetime returns. Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ) are delighted to confirm that The Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series is back this year. The series of three races run over a six month period, offers horse riding enthusiasts from all over the world, the chance to experience what it is like to be a jockey riding at some of Ireland’s best tracks on real live race days.

Monday, February 28th is the closing date for online applications for those who would like to take part in the 2022 challenge. This year’s races will be held at The Curragh Racecourse, Gowran Park and Leopardstown Racecourse in July, September and October, respectively.

This unique opportunity offers racing fans a once in a lifetime chance to experience what it is really like to be a jockey while also raising awareness and much needed funds for IIJ. Riders will not only have the chance of winning each of the three races but they will also accumulate points for placings throughout the series with the overall winner of the series to be announced following the final race at Leopardstown on October 22nd.

To participate in this charity race series, each rider is asked to raise €10,000 through sponsorship and/or fundraising, all funds raised will go to the national racing charity, IIJ. In addition to their simple online application, riders will undergo an interview and training day with a view to receiving their licence to take part from the Racing Academy and Centre of Education, RACE in Co. Kildare.

Once licenced the successful candidates will enjoy insightful track walks with professional riders on the day of their races. Family and friends are invited along to show their support on race days. The camaraderie between riders and feel-good factor that participants enjoy when taking part and raising funds are also very noteworthy bonuses.

Michael Higgins, General Manager of Irish Injured Jockeys said “Following on from the previous success of the series in pre-pandemic years, we wanted to reintroduce the challenge and to build on it to make it very attractive for race entrants, racecourses, racegoers and for the media to really engage with this year. It is a big commitment to take part over such a period and raise a substantial amount for IIJ but one participant’s never regret and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

It takes a driven and committed person to take on The Corinthian Challenge, someone who can get race fit and maintain that level for over four months, they have to work with trainers, source horses and raise funds for IIJ.

Previous Corinthian Challenger’s described the series as, ‘unbelievable’, ‘the best experience of my life’, ‘adrenaline pumping’, ‘the ultimate personal challenge’, ‘a thousand dreams come true and epic!’

Anyone interested in taking part in The Corinthian Challenge should register their interest at http://www.corinthianchallenge.com

Applications are already landing so watch this space!