KEEPING up our series on the participants in the once in a lifetime charity race series in conjunction with Irish Injured Jockeys, we bring you news and updates over the coming months and this week we caught up with challenger Niamh Ashe.

Why did you sign up for the Corinthian Challenge?

Riding in a race is something I’ve always wanted to do so when I came across the Corinthian Challenge, I thought why not!

It’s a great cause and I feel I can relate to jockeys recovering from injuries. In 2019, I had major reconstructive surgery on my ribcage to repair a concaved chest bone that was affecting my lung and putting a lot of stress on my heart. I was out of the saddle for a year and with a lot of determination and pure stubbornness, I managed to rebuild my strength and stamina.

Last year I was hit with another little bump in the road in the form of an auto immune disease and unfortunately I had to take another step back. In January, I started riding out again and thought ‘it’s now or never’ to compete in the challenge.

Do you have any family background in racing or where did your interest come from?

I’ve no family connection with racing. I started riding lessons when I was six and got my first pony at 12. I applied to RACE which led me to a week’s work experience with Ted Walsh. Unfortunately I wasn’t accepted on the jockeys’ course. Fast forward a few years, my whole family moved to the Curragh so I started riding out again and I’ve been involved in racing since.

How is your training going and who is helping you?

Training is going great! I ride out five mornings a week and have simulator training with Paddy Flood at RACE. It’s tough going, I’ve used muscles I never even thought I had and my legs have burned like hell but I’m loving the challenge. I’ve joined the gym and am working with personal trainer Amy Hyland, who is helping me with my nutrition.

What is the biggest sacrifice you have had to make so far as part of your commitment to the Challenge?

Making the time to train is hard. I have two of my own show jumping horses that I compete with and I’ve had to step back from that this year, so I can focus on getting ready for the races. I’ve said from the beginning if I’m going to do this, I’m going to give it my all.

What do you do for a living?

At the moment, I’m riding out in a racing yard but I’m also a qualified equine physical therapist. I work with owners and trainers whose horses or ponies may not be performing at their best, are in rehabilitation from injury, or just as maintenance to keep them moving and feeling good. It’s great to be able to ride the horses, I find it helps to be able to feel what’s going on when the horse is actually moving. Sometimes it’s hard to get a proper idea of what’s happening from what someone else is saying or by just palpating.

Who are your racing heroes and why?

I admire Rachael Blackmore and love watching her in races. She seems to know each individual horse and what makes them tick. I admire Maxine O’Sullivan also, having worked with her for the last few months. She’s always there to give a hand and share her knowledge.

To support Niamh Ashe, visit https://irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com/pf/niamh-ashe