We’re celebrating!

This Sunday, the annual Corinthian Challenge Charity Race will be held at The Curragh Racecourse. Of the 13 participants, ten of them are Horsewomen of Ireland.

All of the participants riding in this year’s race will have immersed themselves in the world of horse racing – and through taking part are contributing to a noble cause – raising a whopping €44,300 for the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund so far.

The Corinthian Challenge is not for the faint-hearted.

Riders undergo training to gain their amateur jockey licence at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education, RACE in Co Kildare.

Riders also have to source their own horse for the race.

Here we are introducing each of the Horsewomen of Ireland to discover their background and motivations for taking up the Corinthian Challenge gauntlet.

Joanne Quirke

“My name is Joanne Quirke, mum of two gorgeous children, Annabelle (4) and Max (2) and married to professional flat jockey Gary Carroll, which is making this challenge all the more, well, challenging!

"I see first-hand on a daily basis the work ethic that goes into being a jockey, the hours on the treadmill, the miles clocked up in the car to and from the races, the highs, the lows, the injuries and the endless sacrifices.

"So, when for some unfortunate reason this is taken away, the Irish Injured Jockeys fund is on hand to assist.”

Suzie Quirke

“I grew up on the Curragh, and rode all my life – my father was a trainer and indeed one of the founders of RACE where Irish Injured Jockeys is located. Racing is in my DNA and has been for generations back.

"The Corinthian Challenge first captured my imagination in 2016. I participated in it but unfortunately, I never got to ride in the final race due to injury so I am back now to give it another go.”

Stephanie Carter

“I have been active in pony club from a young age and gained experience working in breaking training yards after school.

"About two years ago, I began riding out for James Fahey, and former Corinthian, Heather Heffernan, who has inspired me to ride in this year’s race. I’ve been receiving race coaching from Paddy Flood in RACE and he’s been helping me with all aspects of training.”

Alannah O’Donoghue

“I am a certified sports therapist hailing from Cashel. My equestrian journey began at the age of 12 with the Irish Pony Club, where I also gained accreditation as a riding instructor.

"I compete nationally in show jumping up to a level of 1.30m and have participated in the RDS Horse Show. For the past five years, I have been riding thoroughbreds in both flat and NH yards.”

Heather MacKenzie

“My love for horses started at age 13, which later led me to attend Hartpury College in the UK. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with different trainers including riding in point-to-point races for Lucinda Russell.

"I know this race is going to be great fun, and I have been getting plenty of training with trainers such as Andrew Slattery, Evanna McCutcheon and Phillip Fenton.

"My main aim for participating is to underscore the importance of mental health and engage in activities that promote happiness and wellbeing.

"Horse riding has always been my refuge, and I am appreciative that I can balance this passion with my role as a sales manager at Plusvital.”

Diane Scannell

“I began riding horses at a young age while growing up on a farm surrounded by horses. My first hunting outing was at age seven during a local adult hunt in Co Meath.

"A few years ago, I started exercising racehorses for Paddy Magee and later at Fergal Harford’s pre-training yard. My family has delved into horse racing, with my brothers owning racehorses.

"I have been lucky enough to be given the chance to rehome racehorse One Cool Poet, under one condition that I ride him in a charity race.”

Niamh Byrne

“Serving as the marketing manager for Naas Racecourse, my passion for horses began at a young age under the guidance of my father, Sean Byrne.

"Since the age of 14, I have also been involved with Jessica Harrington’s stable. After taking part in the Punchestown Charity Race, I eagerly anticipate the 21 July when I will race at the renowned Curragh Racecourse.”

Megan O’Leary

“I’m 24 and from Co Westmeath and I am currently a student on the Godolphin Flying Start Programme. My interest in the thoroughbred industry evolved from growing up on a commercial stud farm in the midlands.

"Prior to the Flying Start course, I gained experience in the USA preparing sales yearlings for Woods Edge Farm in Kentucky, and have worked for Joseph O’Brien at Carriganog Racing in Kilkenny.”

Jenny Fitzsimons

“Since childhood I have been involved with horses and later pursued a degree in Equine Management at CAFRE Enniskillen. While studying, I rode point-to-point horses and gained valuable experience working for local trainer David Christie.

"After graduating, I landed my first racing position with Tom Taaffe. With over seven years in the horse racing sector, I now ride out every morning for Edward Lynam, and I have competed in the RDS Dublin Horse Show the last two years on retired racehorse People’s Park.”

Bridget Speirs

“With a lifelong love for horses, I have actively engaged in various equestrian pursuits like hunting, polo, point-to-points, and holding a National Hunt permit.

"Having previously participated in a charity race at Fairyhouse in 1996, I am eagerly looking forward to this upcoming race. I have been training at Jessica Harrington’s yard and receiving jockey coaching from Paddy Flood to prepare."

We wish all the riders (men and women) the best of luck. There’s still time to donate towards your chosen rider at irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com.