READERS of The Irish Field will be well aware of the admiration we have for the people who put their necks on the line – day in, day out – to provide us with sport and entertainment. At the core of this activity are the jockeys, men and women with nerves of steel but with bodies that they risk injury to every time they get into the saddle.

There are a number of charities established to assist riders when times are not so good, one of which is the Irish Injured Jockeys. Fundraising is a key activity for the team behind the charity, providing the lifeline for many of those who have suffered setbacks while racing. The task of raising money is never-ending and the support they provide is, sadly, always needed. We are delighted to join with Moyglare Stud in supporting the work of the IIJ and to this end we are helping to promote an amateur photographic competition, with the aim of sourcing a dozen images to grace the 2017 IIJ Calendar. Full details of this competition below:

The calendar may not be one of the more lucrative fundraising exercises carried out by the IIJ, but its importance lies in its role in raising awareness of the organisation and keeping its message to the forefront of people’s thoughts. I would urge everyone to get involved in this and send us your entries over the coming months.

More immediately, if you are free on Sunday of this holiday weekend, you might consider visiting the famous Curraghmore Estate at Portlaw, Waterford, for the Bluebell Festival. Horses are a central theme this year with Hurricane Fly and Moscow Flyer among the stars of yesteryear that will be on show, together with some human racing talent. A tour of Shay Barry’s yard will be another attraction and it is hoped that more than €20,000 can be raised for the IIJ.

Would you like to take on Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, Tracy Piggott and Hayley O’Connor in a series of races in Naas, the Curragh and Leopardstown? This once in a lifetime opportunity can be yours and there are just 12 places available. Full details are available on CorinthianChallenge.com

Finally, for those who wish to combine a little exercise with giving some funds to the IIJ, there is a date you must put in your diary. Sunday, August 21st sees this year’s staging of the popular Jog For Jockeys event.

This is a fun day out for all ages.