LAST month I realised a long held ambition when riding a winner at the Curragh. In taking the first leg of the Corinthian Challenge, I was successful on my very first public appearance on a racecourse.

I often describe myself as the black sheep of the family, as none of my siblings have any interest in racing, nor indeed had my parents. Initially, I started off getting riding lessons at a local equestrian centre before finally wearing my mom down and succeeding in getting a pony. From then on it was pony clubs and show jumping until the age of 14.

From there I started doing a bit of work for Vincent Clynch, a restricted trainer, who lives near us at home. It was at his yard that I first sat on a thoroughbred. Vincent saw that I had a great interest in racing so he kindly asked Jessica Harrington if I could go and work for her. As they say, the rest is history. Since that day, I have never fully left the place, just coming and going over subsequent years.

After I finished school, I went to Athlone IT, where I graduated with an Equine Business Studies degree. During the three-year term of that course I continued to ride out in Jessie’s at every available opportunity. She then suggested that I should go on and complete the Irish National Stud Breeding Course, which I did in 2015.

TRAVELS

Following a second chat with Jessie, I was sent on my travels, this time to Australia, where I gained invaluable experience during my 14-month stay. My first four months were spent overseeing the yearling and weanling preparation at Arrowfield Stud; the final 10 months was as assistant trainer to Matthew Smith in Warwick, Sydney. It was a fantastic experience working for Matthew, as I was in charge of horses, staff, race day representation and medications. I also got to ride both work and barrier trials while based in Australia, experience that has proved hugely beneficial over the last few months.

In April, I returned home to Ireland where I once again took up employment with Jessie (Harrington). I ride out at the yard most mornings and go racing whenever I am needed (driving the small lorry). In the afternoons, I sometimes ride work for my friend, trainer Sean Byrne. It was Kate Harrington who first made me aware of the Corinthian Challenge, which is run in aid of the Irish Injured Jockeys fund. I was in Australia the year of its inception so knew nothing about it until very recently. Tracy Piggott was one of the first competitors in the series, so I spoke to her and she was very positive about the whole experience. I immediately sent an email to Alicia McCormack and was accepted on the list pending an assessment. The latter, which took place in RACE, consisted of riding a simulator and proving that you were adept at handling a racehorse.

I had to raise €1,000 befre the first race of the series on July 16th, a figure I reached thanks to the generosity of so many people, including my main sponsor Jim Derwin. I had worked for the latter during my time in Athlone IT, so was thrilled to have his support in my new venture. If I really thought about it, I suppose it was always an ambition of mine to ride on the racecourse but due to study and travelling I never got the opportunity. The Corinthian Challenge provided just that and I was determined to grab the chance with both hands.

GYM

I have spent countless hours in the gym and working with jockey coach Warren O’Connor. He has been a huge help to me and is a leading figure in his field. The beauty about the Corinthian Challenge is that it is run over three races, giving competitors a couple of chances to win, as well as more time to reach their ultimate goal of raising €10,000 for the IIJ. The series is run on a points basis, with points available for the first four finishers in each leg – the totals are then added up at the end of the final leg.

ROLE MODEL

I currently lead the field after winning the first race at the Curragh aboard Nearly Famous. Jessie very kindly allowed me partner that filly, which she owns herself. I am very thankful to her for her unwavering support, both in the Corinthian Challenge and throughout my years working in the yard. She is a real role model for women in this sport, showing that with hard work and determination anything is possible.

Having tasted success at the Curragh, I am really looking forward to the next two legs at Gowran Park (September 16th) and Leopardstown (October 22nd) respectively. I’d love to get my amateur licence but at the same time I am realistic enough to realise it is not easy. There are plenty of better, more established riders than me, who are struggling to make a living at the sport.

In the longer term I see my future more in the training side of the industry, something that I am very keen to explore further. However, for the next few months, I am committed to the Corinthian Challenge and raising as much money as possible for Irish Injured Jockeys.

Lynne McLoughlin was in conversation with John O’Riordan