THE Corinthian Challenge is a 12-furlong race run over the Irish Derby course, restricted to riders who have never ridden in a race before and have committed to raising funds for Irish Injured Jockeys. The 2025 race takes place at the Curragh next Friday, June 27th. You can support the riders’ fundraising efforts through the IIJ website. Here the final five riders tell us about their background.

Web: irishinjuredjockeys.com

MADISON CLANCY

I’m from Newbridge, Co Kildare, and my primary motivation for participating in this year’s Corinthian Challenge is to raise awareness and crucial funds for Irish Injured Jockeys.

Being in a relationship with a jockey who suffered a serious fall and endured multiple injuries, I truly understand how significant this fundraiser is in helping jockeys get back on their feet after accidents.

With a lifelong passion for horses, I have enjoyed show jumping for many years and began my career in the racing industry at the age of 16, where my love for the sport flourished. I am immensely grateful to SSP Fitness, Park West Fire Protection, and Dunleavy Engineering for their generous sponsorship. I eagerly anticipate riding in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, having grown up with the Curragh right at my doorstep, and I look forward to a wonderful day shared with friends and family.

LYDIA ROGERS

I’m from Sligo, now living in Sydney. It’s a massive bucket list experience to come back to Ireland to participate in the Corinthian Challenge.

Horses have always been a lifelong passion, but I got the racing bug riding out for Michael McElhone and Mark McNiff in Sligo.

I now work for Enterprise Ireland as Director for Australia/New Zealand, supporting many Irish businesses, including a great portfolio of Irish equine companies.

I’ve been lucky to get involved in the racing industry in Australia – having shares in some two-year-olds and riding trackwork at Royal Randwick racecourse.

Having attended The Curragh Handicap in Melbourne a few weeks ago, it’s a dream come true to now be able to ride at the Curragh during the prestigious Irish Derby Festival.

Huge thanks to everyone that’s making it happen including trainer Mark McNiff, and all my sponsors including Equilume, Sidekick Animal Health, Coolmore, and Anthony & Sam Freedman Racing.

CLIVE RYAN

I’m from Clonmel in Co Tipperary and I am currently working for Paddy Twomey who, together with Clara Stud, are sponsoring me in this race. Horses have been a significant part of my life, and I have had the privilege of working alongside some great trainers such as Mouse Morris and Tommy Stack.

Although I held an apprentice licence and had two rides on the racetrack some time ago, I am eager to return to race riding. This year, I was inspired to participate and the opportunity to ride at the world-renowned Curragh Racecourse during Derby weekend feels like a dream come true.

I hold a deep admiration for the dedication of jockeys and would love to contribute to raising funds for Irish Injured Jockeys.

GRAINNE COTTER

I’m from Portarlington, Co Laois, where I have been actively involved with ponies and the Laois Hunt Pony Club. My enthusiasm for racing blossomed at 16 during the lockdown when I started working alongside my father in our yard.

Currently, I am a third-year Nutritional Science student at UCC, balancing my academic responsibilities with various racing-related activities. This includes my participation in the UCC Horse Racing Society, where I have attended events such as Cheltenham and the Curragh.

I would like to thank my parents for the support and my dad Kieran who, also being the trainer, is definitely not holding back with his daughter!

Racing plays a big role in my life and I am thrilled to support the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund through this challenge.

LYDIA DODD

I am thrilled to participate in the Corinthian Challenge, which presents an amazing opportunity and is a significant advancement from the ponies I rode during my childhood.

Over the past few months I have been riding out with John ‘Shark’ Hanlon and have truly enjoyed becoming acquainted with both the team and the horses. The learning experience has been intensive, and I am eager to embrace this challenge while contributing to the fundraising for Irish Injured Jockeys.

I would like to thank my sponsors – Pumphouse Dunlavin, David Dodd Pharmacy and Dubarry of Ireland – and all my friends and family for the support.