THE 14 volunteers who signed up for The Corinthian Challenge in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys months ago are riding out and looking forward to the second race in Gowran Park Racecourse on September 17th.

In honour of their unwavering commitment and participation in this once in a lifetime experience together with Irish Injured Jockeys we continue to bring you their profiles, news and updates on a weekly basis.

The Corinthian Challenge is a charity race series run by Irish Injured Jockeys Fund to raise awareness and much needed funds for the national charity. It involves riders participating in no less than three races at the Curragh, Gowran and Leopardstown Racecourses throughout the course of the series.

As part of our ongoing support of Irish Injured Jockeys and their Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series this week we caught up with Jane Davis to give her the opportunity of a profile piece and to assist with her fundraising efforts.

Love for ponies

Jane is originally from Dublin but now living and working in Kilkenny. From a young age Jane had a passion and love for ponies which led to her parents driving her the length and breadth of the country every weekend bringing her to shows.

Show horses became her passion but when Jane turned 16, she spent the summer riding out for Dermot Weld on the Curragh. This was her first introduction to racehorses and over the years she has continued to ride out as a hobby.

Jane is working for Connolly’s Red Mills and her role for the past five years has been Head of Equine marketing, it’s a position that she loves and has given her the opportunity to travel the world, meeting customers and their horses.

Working at different racecourses over the years gave Jane a real insight into the risks involved in being a jockey and into the work of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.

After attending past fundraising events within the industry, Jane was inspired to take part in this year’s series.

Jane commented: “Previously I worked as a racecourse manager. In that role you become hyper-aware of safety and the sheer physicality of what jockeys do.

Fundraise

“I think this is a great way to be able to fundraise to support the ongoing work and services provided by the Irish Injured Jockeys.

“I love watching racing and I am fascinated by race riding and of course following the lady riders. So I am thrilled to take part in this year’s series.”

Jane won the opening contest of the series aboard Takarengo for owner Mrs Rita Byrne and trainer Tom Mullins.

Next weekend the penultimate race of the series will take place at Gowran Park.

As all contenders are busy preparing for the race, the team at The Irish Field and Irish Injured Jockeys wish them well. We are looking forward to watching you all in action, fulfilling your dreams and making a real difference next Saturday. Best of luck, folks!

To stay up to date on all things Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series related visit the Corinthian Challenge website or follow Irish Injured Jockeys and the Corinthian Challenge on social media.

If you would like to support Jane or any of the Corinthian Challengers visit justgiving.com/campaign/corinthianchallenge2022.