THE Irish Injured Jockeys Fund is chipping in to support the Irish race of the 2015 Wings for Life World Run which takes place on Sunday, May 3rd in Dun Laoghaire. The run was introduced to support the Wings for Life foundation, which funds spinal cord research projects all over the world. Every year, at least 250,000 people around the world sustain a traumatic spinal cord injury, following traffic accidents, tragic falls and slips. All of the entry fees from the Wings for Life World Run as well as all sponsorship goes straight into research.

On May 3rd runners of all abilities, fun runners and fanatics, young and old, will come together in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin to run the Irish race. They will join tens of thousands of other runners from six continents and 34 countries who will also start the race at the same time. Register now at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.

Ruby Walsh, Chairman of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund said: “Spinal cord injury is a serious risk for all jockeys and as such the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund is delighted to support the Wings for Life World Run. The race both raises awareness and funding for spinal cord research. We are encouraging all racing fans to get behind the race and run for those who can’t on the Sunday in May.” Information on the Irish Injured Jockeys can be found at www.irishinjuredjockeys.com.

THE team at the Jack & Jill Foundation, who provide direct funding to families of children with brain damage up to the age of four who suffer severe intellectual and physical developmental delay, are indefatigable in their fund raising. Their latest campaign involves auctioning off the decorated pigs on parade, the 100 unique pieces of art designed by leading artists which have been on display in public areas around Dublin since February.

You can view and bid for the pigs online and the top golden pigs will be sold at a live auction in the Doubletree by Hilton on the Burlington Road which takes place next Saturday March 21st. Tickets are €125 each with a table of 10 for €1,250 and can be purchased from the Jack & Jill foundation office on 045 894538. All details on www.jackandjill.ie.

Curran’s treble

THERE is life outside of Cheltenham and breeder Richard Curran has plenty to look forward to on the track this bank holiday weekend. He reports that three siblings he bred - all by Presenting out of Hannigan’s Lodger - are engaged. They are Present Lodger (Saturday at Newcastle or Kempton), Leave At Dawn (Navan Sunday) and Kitty Power (Southwell Monday).

Hexham double for Stafford

DUBLIN trainer Paul Stafford and Co Wexford rider Jonathan Moore picked a bad week to have a double at Hexham but their achievement on Thursday deserves a mention. Both mares, Gibbstown (9/1) won a three-mile handicap chase and Grange Hall (12/1) landed a bumper at 12/1.

Cooper takes aim

GOAL, the charity which delivers a wide range of humanitarian and development programmes worldwide, has top jockey Bryan Cooper on board as patron, which should keep Bryan occupied in case he has a spare moment.