Irish Injured Jockeys

25/05/2026

20/05/2026

Introducing our ninth rider in this years race, Graham Atkinson, a longstanding supporter and volunteer with IIJ.

''My family has been deeply involved in the racing industry for many years. My brother, Don Atkinson, used to be a point-to-point jockey, and my cousin, Wayne Lordan, is renowned as one of Ireland’s top flat jockeys.

In 2018, I achieved a significant victory in the Corinthian Challenge series, which involved three races. This year, I’ve decided to participate again, eager to regain my racing form and make my family proud especially my wife, Theresa, and our kids, Lucy and Charlie. I have been a long-time supporter of the charity and continue to volunteer whenever possible. I'm passionate about raising awareness and advocating for increased fundraising efforts, thank you to everyone for supporting me so far.''

You can doante to Graham at this link - https://irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com/pf/graham-atkinson

19/05/2026

Our next Corinthian Challenge rider is Paul Callaghan who works with the

''My passion for National Hunt racing began early, leading me to work with trainer Gerry McArdle at 15. After completing my Leaving Cert, I joined Tom George, where I had my first winning ride on Dellone.
I later rode for Steve Brookshaw and Howard Johnson, gaining experience and recognition. I freelanced and worked for Henry Daly, while also riding for Mark Johnston, notably on Monterosso, a future Dubai World Cup winner.
After suffering multiple injuries over the years, I transitioned to the media side of racing through JETS. During my time working at BoyleSports, I completed a marketing course and earned an honours degree in Business from DKIT.

In January 2023, I became an Advertising Executive for The Irish Field, I also present on Racing TV.

I’m very lucky to be still involved in the industry, my most memorable racing moment was finishing fifth in the Fox Hunters at the Grand National fences on Ghadames in 2007.

It’s a dream come true to be able to ride at the Curragh while supporting the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund, who make a real difference to the lives and welfare of jockeys during difficult times''

You can support Paul here - https://irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com/pf/paul-callaghan

18/05/2026

Patrick Stringer is the next brave rider signed up for the Corinthian Challenge.

''The first time I sat on a horse I was 6 years old and from that moment, I fell in love. I have to thank Joe Byrne for teaching me how to ride. My grandmother, Bridie Stringer, housed a lot of Noel Meades staff, the likes of Niall "Slippers" Madden, Ian Power, Bobby Molloy, Michael "Badger" McAlister and so many more. My Granddad Christy Stringer was head man for Noel in the 70's and was leading head man in 1979 the year I was born. Paul Cullen who was also living with my grandparents was Noel's head man. Every Saturday morning he would bring me to Noel’s and I stayed there for around 10 years. I did some time in England and worked in Juddmonte stud for a few years breaking horses. I’m now working for Jack Davison coming up to 2 years now and the love has come back all over again for riding out every morning, even though I don’t think it ever left. You know you enjoy what you do, when waking up every morning, hail, rain or shine it is easy. Jack gives you great opportunities to travel and see places with his horses I’m really looking forward to the day as it will be a great day out for my family and friends. I’m just going to enjoy the buzz of the day and of course the thrill of putting on the silks for one last time, a huge thanks to my sponsors Jack Davison Racing and LH Welding.

Any bit off support would be gratefully appreciated you can donate here - https://irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com/pf/patrick-stringer

13/05/2026

There was a fantastic turnout for La Bucca Ratoath’s fundraising evening for the Irish Injured Jockey’s Fund last Monday. La Bucca has been a sponsor of Irish horse racing for almost twenty years now and in particular has a strong affiliation with our local Fairyhouse Racecourse.

Since the Irish Horseracing Gallery launch in the restaurant last year more pictures and memorabilia have been added to the walls. A montage of this year’s Irish Grand National winner, Soldier in Milan and it’s connections was unveiled on the night.
Michael Higgins of the Irish Injured Jockey’s Fund, was present on the night along with fellow board member Barry Geraghty and other figures from Ireland’s horse racing world. A fantastic €4770.00 was raised for the charity by means of raffle, auction and donations.

Michael Higgins said “We achieved three goals tonight, we raised money for the charity, we increased the awareness of our work and everyone had a great evening”

Russell Bailey, owner of La Bucca explained “The long term plan in La Bucca is to add a montage of each year’s winning horse and over time build up an historical library of the Irish National winners, while adding any other pictures of interest along the way and strengthening our link to all things equestrian, given the businesses proximity to both Fairyhouse and Tattersalls.”

13/05/2026

Jason Kyne is our fifth featured rider in this years Corinthian Challenge.

''I have dedicated my life to working in various yards and being surrounded by horses. I started hunting at the age of eight with the Galway Blazers and took part in several seasons of pony racing across the west of Ireland. My father has a history of training point-to-point horses, and I have two brothers, Jamie Kyne and Daniel Kyne, who have held racing licenses.

In 2009, when my brother Jamie passed away, the Irish Injured Jockey Fund provided invaluable support to my family during that challenging time. They helped us with flights and accommodation, which made a significant impact. I've always wanted to give back to them, and as this event is the charity’s highlight of the year, I'm excited to get back fit and train for the race and to help raise as much as possible for the charity''

Thank you in advance, you can support Jason here - https://irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com/pf/jason-kyne

13/05/2026

Diego Rodrigues da Costa Almeida is our next rider to be featured-

''I have dedicated my entire life to riding horses and transformed my passion for speed and equestrianism into a career. Working daily in the Curagh for DK Weld, I understand like few others the adrenaline of being on the track and the unique connection between horse and rider. Riding is not just a job, it's a lifestyle that demands rigorous discipline and unwavering courage.

I chose to support Irish Injured Jockeys because I understand that behind every exciting day of racing, there is a real and constant risk. Jockeys are incredibly resilient athletes, but their careers are short and falls can change lives in an instant. I want to contribute to ensuring that Recovery and Rehabilitation. Those who have suffered serious injuries have access to the best possible medical physical and mental health support.

Participating in this challenge is my way of giving back to the sport I love, helping to protect the people who make it possible, I really appreciate all the support, you can donate to my page here'' - https://irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com/pf/diego-rodrigues

12/05/2026

Introducing our third Corinthian rider, Robin De Pelsmaeker,

''I have been fortunate to have worked with horses all my life and im currently riding out regularly, I’m looking forward to coming home and once again enjoying the thrill of racing in The Curragh on the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Weekend''

All donations in aid of IIJ are greatly supported, https://irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com/pf/robyn-de-pelsmaeker

11/05/2026

Sarah Lionti is our next featured rider in this this years Corinthian Challenge.

''I am originally from Clitheroe which is in the Ribble Valley district of Lancashire and have been living in Kildare since September 2025. From a young age, I have been immersed in the world of horses, riding frequently and participating in various equestrian disciplines such as showing, show jumping, and hunting. My love for horses has only intensified over the years. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy while working full-time as Head Girl for Andrew Kinirons. Racing has always been one of my greatest passions, and I feel truly fortunate to enhance my skills through daily experiences riding racehorses and taking lessons on the simulator with Niall McCullagh.
Having a strong interest in racing, participating in the Corinthian Challenge presents the perfect chance to fulfil my lifelong dream of riding in a race something I have always yearned to experience. Participating in a race will deepen my understanding of what horses endure during such events, including the physical strain, and effort they exert. This insight will not only enrich my personal experience but also enhance my professional capabilities, enabling me to better support and treat horses through Veterinary Physiotherapy with a more informed perspective''

All support is very grateful at https://irishinjuredjockeys.enthuse.com/pf/sarah-lionti