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 on Friday, June 27th. You can support the riders’ fundraising efforts through the IIJ website. Let’s meet four more riders taking part.

Web: irishinjuredjockeys.com

ALISHA McCORMACK (Irish Injured Jockeys

administrator)

Since childhood, I have been immersed in the world of horses and have competed on sports horses across a variety of equine disciplines.

After studying Business and Equine Studies, I embarked on my career with racehorses, starting as the traveling head girl for Michael Halford. I later had the privilege of working with John Oxx, John McConnell, and Richard Brabazon.

I was a trackwork rider in Palm Meadows, Florida, and also spent two years with jumps trainer Guillaume Macaire in France.

My father’s ownership of a few racehorses provided me with the opportunity to ride in amateur races, including several ladies races for various trainers.

My family is deeply rooted in the equestrian community and are members of the Kildare Hunt Club. My brother Paddy, a former National Hunt jockey, is a jockey coach at RACE and has been really putting me through my paces with lessons!

I have plenty of support from trainers James Fahey and Peter Fahey, and my husband, a former jockey himself, has been giving me plenty of tips!

With eight years of experience working in the office with Irish Injured Jockeys, I have helped organise seven series of Corinthian Challenge races. I recognise the charity’s crucial role in the sport’s future and hold great admiration for jockeys.

While the public often witnesses only the exhilarating moments at the races, the dedication, hard work, and passion that jockeys embody are unmatched. Their love for the sport and for the horses is truly inspiring, which is why I am committed to this race. That feeling is irreplaceable.

Juggling life with three kids under seven and a yard of horses isn’t easy, but I do love a challenge!

Being involved is like sprinkling a bit of magic dust around my children, showing them that their mom has hidden talents. It’s proof that they can chase any dream, no matter how wild!

I’d like to thank my sponsors DMC Bloodstock, Lily & Wild, CB Fencing, and all who have supported me so far.

ROBIN DE PELSMAEKER (Equine veterinary surgeon)

I’m from Co Tipperary and currently based in the Cotswolds in England as an equine vet.

My main sponsors are the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate, based with Joseph O’Brien in Owning. They have enjoyed success and enormous fun over the past 10 years and are keen to support the outstanding aims of the Irish Injured Jockeys. I am lucky enough to be carrying their colours and getting the leg up on one of their best!

I have over 20 years of experience on ponies and horses of all shapes and sizes, and I am currently riding out regularly at Killahena McPherson Racing.

My three aims are to get as much sponsorship as possible for the IIJ, to 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.

SUE SALTER (Equine Veterinarian)

During the epidemic I set up SES Equine Veterinary Services on the Kildare-Wicklow border. The practice provides an all-round equine veterinary service while specialising in equine reproduction and stud medicine in both thoroughbreds and sports horses.

As you can imagine we are now in the busiest time of the year.

Thanks to the support of a very dedicated team - particularly Claire, Greg, Sean and Alex - I have been fortunate enough to be able to train for this epic challenge. Thanks to the team for all of your hard work and support!

In 2023 I decided that someday I would ride in a charity race. I was inspired by Jessie Harrington’s words of wisdom only two weeks after her breast cancer surgery: “Sure all I can’t do is lift things ... I’m off to lunch now, have a great day.”

Her outlook is a particular sort of magic that resonates. So here I am, with superglue on my Jod-Z jodhpurs and having fun through training. Health, hard work, happiness. A giant heartfelt shout-out to those who I want to ride this race for: Arthur, a very special little boy battling leukaemia.

You are going to ace treatment, little buddy. And for you, Mum. Brave little steps everyday.

I asked our jockey coach Paddy Flood what it feels like to ride a winner. He said: “It’s like watching the world in slow motion.”

Thank you to my sponsors, Grangecon Kitchen, Jod-Z and all who have donated so far.

MOHAMMED AL ATTIYAH (owner, trainer & breeder)

I hail from Qatar where I am an owner, breeder, and trainer. I have several horses in training across Britain and Ireland.

I am excited to participate in the Corinthian Challenge, supporting a noble cause by raising funds for the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.

My dear friend Joseph O’Brien will provide a horse for me to ride, and I know he will enjoy watching as much as I will enjoy competing!

Thank you to all who have supported me so far, especially Al Jeryan Stud.