THE countdown is on to the 2026 Corinthian Challenge in aid of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund, with 13 riders signed up to take part in the 12-furlong race at the Irish Derby meeting.

After passing licensing requirements and following rigorous training, the game 13 will line up at the Curragh on Friday, June 26th. Each will have raised at least €3,000 for the valuable cause, with all donations welcome at www.corinthianchallenge.com

In the run up to the event, The Irish Field will feature profiles on the brave participants. Here are the first four.

Jerry Scully

I grew up in Limbo Stud, Creagh, Skibbereen, West Cork and my life has always revolved around horses. As Winston Churchill once said, ‘There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man’.

I have been riding from the age of six, graduating from ponies to cobs to horses, a rural background of pony racing, trotting, hunting and generally living the equine dream. I attended RACE 40 years ago and that whetted my appetite further, but the tragic loss of my beloved mother Kathleen meant that I could not progress at that time and returned home.

I subsequently went to England and spent many years riding out and basically my life continued around them. I continue to work with horses and help out in Knowth Stables, Co Meath for trainer Pat Downey.

It is an honour and a dream come true to ride as a jockey on Limbocall, a horse I have known from a yearling, and to do it for such a worthy cause.

Sarah Lionti

I am originally from Clitheroe, in the Ribble Valley district of Lancashire, and have been living in Kildare since September 2025.

From a young age, I have been immersed in the world of horses, riding frequently and participating in various equestrian disciplines such as showing, show jumping, and hunting. My love for horses has only intensified over the years.

Currently, I am pursuing a degree in veterinary physiotherapy, while working full-time as head girl for Andrew Kinirons.

Racing has always been one of my greatest passions, and I feel truly fortunate to enhance my skills through riding racehorses daily and taking lessons on the simulator with Niall McCullagh.

Having a strong interest in racing, participating in the Corinthian Challenge presents the perfect chance to fulfil my lifelong dream of riding in a race.

Participating in a race will deepen my understanding of what horses endure during such events, including the physical strain, and effort they exert.

This insight will not only enrich my personal experience, but also enhance my professional capabilities, enabling me to better support and treat horses through veterinary physiotherapy with a more informed perspective.

Since joining the racing industry, I quickly recognised how physically and mentally demanding it can be, one fall can dramatically alter a jockey’s life.

I have witnessed the remarkable work of the Irish Injured Jockeys and being able to contribute to raising funds for such a noble cause would mean a great deal to me and many others.

Jason Kyne

Residing in Claregalway, I have dedicated my life to working in various yards and being surrounded by horses.

I started hunting at the age of eight with the Galway Blazers and took part in several seasons of pony racing across the west of Ireland. My father has a history of training point-to-point horses, and I have two brothers, Jamie Kyne and Daniel Kyne, who have held racing licenses.

In 2009, when my brother Jamie passed away, the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund provided invaluable support to my family during that challenging time. They helped us with flights and accommodation, which made a significant impact.

I’ve always wanted to give back to them and, as this event is the charity’s highlight of the year, I’m excited to get back fit and train for the race and to help raise as much as possible for the charity.

Robin De Pelsmaeker

Hailing from Co Tipperary and currently based in the Cotswolds in England as an equine vet, I was lucky enough to ride in last year’s race and enjoyed it so much that I’m back for the challenge once more.

I have 20 years of experience on ponies and horses of all shapes and sizes behind me, currently riding out regularly whenever work allows.

My three aims are to get as much sponsorship as possible for the Irish Injured Jockeys, not use their services and to manage to carry the lead bag back to the weighing room!

All and any contributions will be gratefully received and acknowledged.