Kilkenny man Michael O'Neill, aboard Slate Lane (Ire) (Ask {GB}) for trainer Emmet Mullins in the colours of owner Paul Byrne, took the third and final leg of the 2023 Corinthian Challenge at Leopardstown on Saturday. The overall winner of the series, Damien Moore, was also crowned having won the opening leg at Naas Racecourse and placed in the other two legs to accumulate the most points.
The Corinthian Challenge is an annual charity race series run by Irish Injured Jockeys Fund to raise awareness and much needed funds for organization. Challengers are essentially volunteers who apply to participate in the three-race series, they each get the chance to experience first-hand what it is like to be a jockey from training and fitness to race preparation right through to riding on the track at Naas, the Curragh, and Leopardstown Racecourses respectively. To date, it has raised over €500,000, with this year's crew within reach of their collective target of €100,000.
“This is unbelievable, I absolutely loved it!” O'Neill said. “I tried to follow Emmet Mullins's instructions to the tee and he was spot on and the horse delivered for me in great style. I am so grateful to Emmet, the owner Paul Byrne and all the team in the yard for their support. The whole challenge has been amazing to be part of and I'd encourage anyone thinking about it to just go for it, it's for a great cause!”
For those interested in riding in the 2024 renewal or to donate, visit the Corinthian Challenge website.
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