The Corinthian Challenge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for ordinary racing fans to experience what it is like to ride in a race at the home of the classics.

To take part, riders must commit to raising at least €3,000 each for Irish Injured Jockeys, maintain their weight and fitness and successfully secure an amateur rider’s licence. This year’s race takes place at the Curragh on Friday, June 27th.

Each week The Irish Field will profile some of the riders taking part. You can support them by visiting the IIJ website.

Web: irishinjuredjockeys.com

CHLOE KIRWAN (Teacher)

I’m from Straffan in Kildare. I’ve been riding since day dot, and horses have always been a huge part of my life. I ride purely for the love of it and compete as an amateur across a variety of disciplines. Recently, I’ve been riding out before work in the mornings and I absolutely love it. There’s no better way to start the day!

When I’m not at the yard, I work full-time as a secondary school biology teacher. I also share my equestrian journey on Instagram through @behind_willows_ears, where I am lucky enough to collaborate with some brilliant equestrian brands.

I have been getting plenty of practice. Sonny Carey got me started and showed me the ropes, and Johnny Murtagh and Gordon Elliott have been great too.

The Corinthian Challenge is something completely new for me but I’m so excited (also terrified!) to take it on and to learn more about racing, push myself out of my comfort zone, and support a fantastic cause along the way.

MEGAN SHEEDY (Student of equine and canine

physiotherapy)

I’m from Templemore in Tipperary. Having grown up in a predominantly equine background with a small yard of sport horses at home, I have had the opportunity to work with horses all my life.

I have worked for top trainers including Aidan O’Brien in Ballydoyle and Chris Waller in Australia, as well as working with young horses and in the lab with Coolmore.

I studied Equine Science in UCD, followed by completion of the Irish National Stud Course in 2022. I am currently furthering my studies through the College of Animal Physiotherapy, studying equine and canine physiotherapy as well as riding out for local trainers.

I am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing cause and would like to thank trainer Shane Duffy for providing a horse for the race, along with my sponsors Duignan Sheedy Projects and DB Renovations.

All support is greatly appreciated.

JULIA CROWE (Equine

veterinary surgeon)

I’m from Golden in Tipperary where I grew up on a stud farm, foaling mares.

For over 10 years I was part of the Scarteen Pony Club which I could not recommend enough. My brother and I did everything from eventing, to camp and then weekly hunting.

My main passion was eventing where I got to compete in over three internationals with my little cob Skittles who’s still going!

I started riding out when I was 18 with Con Marnane at Bansha House Stables who taught me the ropes. Con and his team are very knowledgeable and great people to learn from.

From there, I did a summer in Ballydoyle which again was great experience.

For the last few years I’ve been riding out part-time for my neighbour Paddy Twomey who has been very good to me and taught me loads about the industry.

I qualified under two years ago as an equine vet. One of my main interests is in lameness, which keeps me busy.

I am very much looking forward to taking part in the Corinthian Challenge which has been on the bucket list for a long time, as well as supporting and highlighting a very important organisation, Irish Injured Jockeys.’

NICOLE GROYER (Equine

nutritional specialist)

I am very excited to be participating in the Corinthian Challenge.

Horses have been a lifelong passion of mine. I grew up around them, starting in Pony Club and competed in a range of disciplines including eventing, dressage, showing and hunting.

That love for horses led me to study Agricultural Science – Animal Science (Equine) at University College Dublin, graduating in 2018.

Since then, I’ve been lucky to build a career in the equine industry, completing the BHA Graduate Programme before joining Connolly’s Red Mills, where I’ve worked for the past six years. My job allows me to support horses and their owners every day, which I love.

Outside of this, I stay actively involved through my own horses and riding out for Francis Casey before work and at weekends.

Participating in this race allows me to step into a sport I have long admired, while raising funds for the Irish Injured Jockeys, a cause that recognises and supports the dedication and risks jockeys face every day.