PARTICIPATING in the Corinthian Challenge involves admirable commitment to training, as well as riding in the race at the Curragh, all in a bid to raise vital funds for the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.

Take Graham Atkinson as an example - following six weeks of training, he has lost a whopping 25lb. Learn more about the former winning Corinthian and more of this year’s participants in this week’s profiles.

Thirteen have signed up to ride in the race, which will take place at the Curragh on Friday, June 26th. They are Jason Kyne, Patrick Stringer, Ivanna Dempsey, Sarah Lionti, Tara Moneypenny, Robin DePelsmaeker, Graham Atkinson, Paul Callaghan, Max Foley, Diego Rodrigues da Costa Almeida, Jerry Scully, Bobby Fagan and Alison McMahon.

Each will have raised at least €3,000 for the valuable cause, with all donations welcome via the website, corinthianchallenge.com

Graham Atkinson

I’m a maintenance operator from Upton, Co Cork, and I’ve always had a strong connection to the racing world.

Growing up, horses were a constant part of my life, and my family has been deeply involved in the racing industry for many years. My brother, Don Atkinson, used to be a point-to-point jockey, and my cousin, Wayne Lordan, is renowned as one of Ireland’s top flat jockeys.

In 2018, I achieved a significant victory in the Corinthian Challenge series, which involved three races. This year, I’ve decided to participate again, eager to regain my racing form and make my family proud, especially my wife, Theresa, and our kids, Lucy and Charlie.

I have been a long-time supporter of the charity and continue to volunteer whenever possible. I’m passionate about raising awareness and advocating for increased fundraising efforts.

Ivanna Dempsey

I’m from Clane, Co Kildare, where I grew up surrounded by horses, engaging in both eventing and show jumping.

My riding journey began in 2020 at Ross O’Sullivan’s, where I spent considerable time travelling to races and riding out. I also enjoyed riding out and attending races for Eoghan O’Neill in France.

My adventure took me to Kentucky for six months, where I worked at Springhouse Farm preparing yearlings, and I also rode out at Keeneland for Andrew McKeever. In the summer of 2024, I rode out and accompanied horses to York and Ascot for Johnny Murtagh.

In August 2024, I began the Godolphin Flying Start programme, which I will complete this summer. During my time in America with Flying Start, I also rode out for Brendan Walsh at Keeneland.

I am eager to participate in the Corinthian Challenge to raise funds for the Irish Injured Jockeys, who contribute immensely to the sport and to the lives of the jockeys who risk their well-being daily.

Supporting them feels like a meaningful way to give back to the industry. Riding out has always brought me immense joy, and the opportunity to bring that passion to the racecourse has been a lifelong dream. The Corinthian Challenge provides the perfect avenue to merge this aspiration with making a significant impact for injured jockeys.

Patrick Stringer

The first time I sat on a horse I was six years old and, from that moment, I fell in love. I have to thank Joe Byrne for teaching me how to ride.

My grandmother, Bridie Stringer, housed a lot of Noel Meade’s staff, the likes of Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden, Ian Power, Bobby Molloy, Michael ‘Badger’ McAlister, and so many more.

My granddad, Christy Stringer, was head man for Noel in the ‘70s and was leading head man in 1979 - the year I was born. Paul Cullen, who was also living with my grandparents, was Noel’s head man. Every Saturday morning, he would bring me to Noel’s and I stayed there for around 10 years. I did some time in England and worked in Juddmonte for a few years, breaking horses.

I’m now working for Jack Davison coming up to two years, and the love has come back all over again for riding out every morning, though I don’t think it ever really left.

You know you enjoy what you do, when waking up every morning, hail, rain or shine, it is easy. Jack gives you great opportunities to travel and see places with his horses.

I had always wanted to ride one last time for my daughter, Isabelle, who is my biggest supporter. It has always been a dream of mine since she was born and I’m grateful for this opportunity.

The IJF has done so much for so many over the years and to have the opportunity to raise funds for it is amazing. I’m really looking forward to the day as it will be a great day out for my family and friends. I’m just going to enjoy the buzz of the day and, of course, the thrill of putting on the silks for one last time.

Any bit of support would be gratefully appreciated.

Max Foley

I hail from Carlow and began riding at the age of four, spending plenty of time hunting and having fun with my brothers.

Horses have always been an integral part of my family. My brother, Jack, who is now a trainer, was the champion conditional jockey in 2022. Another brother, Jason, earned the title of European Junior Champion in 2018 and triumphed in the World Young Horse Championships in 2019. I also won the 148 RDS Championship in 2018.

Recently, I completed my bursary training with five-time Olympic medallist McLain Ward at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. This year, I aim to jump in larger classes and participate in away shows.

Being selected for a spot on the prestigious FEI Young Rider Academy is incredibly meaningful for me and my team.

I’m eagerly anticipating the charity race and the opportunity to learn a different riding style, with plenty of tips from Michael O’Neill, a former winning rider.