THE team at Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ) are busy preparing behind the scenes for the 2023 Corinthian Challenge charity race series.

The three-race series will be held at Naas, the Curragh and Leopardstown in August, September and October respectively.

Some 14 riders are taking on the challenge of a lifetime. They will accumulate points for placings throughout the challenge in a league-style format and the overall winner will be crowned following the final race at Leopardstown on October 21st.

In recognition of their commitment and participation in this series, The Irish Field and Irish Injured Jockeys are delighted to bring you their profiles, news and updates over the coming months.

Our first rider in profile is Vivienne Connolly. Born and bred in Kildare, Vivienne is from a family which has a long association with racing.

Five generations have been directly involved in the sport since the early 1800s. Her great-great-great grandfather Pat Connolly was the first person to hold a public trainer’s licence on the Curragh. He built Curragh View at the top of Walsh’s Hill in 1830.

Her grandfather Mick Connolly grew up in Curragh View and then trained from Westenra for over 50 years. When he retired, he held the record for the longest-held trainer’s licence in Ireland.

Vivienne’s father Robbie Connolly rode 60 winners and was champion apprentice. Weight was not on his side and he later trained as an accountant.

It wasn’t long before the inevitable happened and Robbie took out a trainer’s licence, age 25. He trained 60 winners during his short training career before he passed away from motor neurone disease, aged just 31. Robbie was the last Connolly to train from Curragh View.

Vivienne’s mum, Jacinta, previously worked in the Turf Club.

Although she rode ponies as a child, Vivienne had limited racing experience until recently. A primary school teacher in Rathangan BNS, where she teaches junior infants, she returned to riding at the O’Neills’ Abbeyfield Farm, received riding lessons and began riding out during Covid.

Vivienne completed the Thoroughbred Exercise and Care course in RACE last summer. She rides out before school and has been riding out in Martin Brassil’s yard since October 2022. She has also ridden out in Padraig Roche’s and Michael O’Callaghan’s.

Taking part in this year’s Corinthian Challenge is a dream come true for her.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to participate in this year’s Corinthian Challenge,” she said. “The fund does a tremendous job by raising funds to provide enhanced help, care, and support to jockeys, past and present, when in need.

“I don’t have anywhere near the experience of some of the other riders but I’m working hard, going to the gym and trying my best. I’m so grateful to everyone who has played a part in getting me this far, every bit of help is appreciated.

“I’m particularly excited for the second race at the Curragh, having grown up opposite the five-furlong post!’’

You can support Vivienne’s fund-raising through the Corinthian Challenge website or via the Irish Injured Jockeys website.

Web: corinthianchallenge.com

Web: irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com