Riders / Donate

Jason Kyne – Residing in Claregalway, 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.

Sarah Lionti – 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. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy while working full-time as Head Girl for Andrew Kinirons Racing Team. Racing has always been one of my greatest passions, and I feel truly fortunate to enhance my skills daily in work and by taking lessons on the simulator with Niall McCullagh. I have witnessed the remarkable work of the Irish Injured Jockeys charity, and being able to contribute to raising funds for such a noble cause would mean a great deal to me and many others.

Patrick Stringer– From Navan, Co. Meath. 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. My Granddad Christy Stringer was leading head man in Noel’s in 1979 the year I was born. 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. I had always wanted to ride one last time for my daughter (my biggest supporter) Isabelle. It has always been a dream of mine since she was born and I’m grateful for this opportunity. The IIJ has done so much for so many over the years and to have the opportunity to raise funds for it is amazing. I’m really looking to the day and any bit of support would be gratefully appreciated.

Robin De Pelsmaeker – Hailing from Co. Tipperary and currently based in the Cotswolds in England as an equine vet.  I was lucky enough to ride in last years race and enjoyed so much that im back for the challenge once more. I have 20 years of experience on ponies and horses of all shapes and sizes behind me, currently riding out regularly whenever work allows, my three aims are to get as much sponsorship as possible for the IIJ, 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.

Jerry Scully – I grew up in Limbo Stud, Creagh Skibbereen, West Cork and my life has always revolved around horses. As Winston Churchill once said, ”there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man”.
I have been riding from the age of 6, graduating from ponies to cobs to horses, a rural background of pony racing, trotting, hunting and generally living the Equine Dream. I attended RACE 40 years ago and that whetted my appetite further but the tragic loss of my beloved mother Kathleen meant that I could not progress at that time and returned home. I subsequently went to England and spent many years riding out and basically my life continued around them. I continue to work with horses and help out in Knowth Stables, County Meath for Trainer Pat Downey. It is an honour and a dream come true to ride as a jockey on Limbocall, a horse I have known from a yearling, and to do it for such a worthy cause.

Ivanna Dempsey – I am very excited to be participating in the 2025 Corinthian Challenge. Horses have been a lifelong passion of mine, having grown up in the breeding side and riding through the Irish Pony Club and Eventing Ireland.

In 2020, alongside my studies, I began riding out for Ross O’Sullivan, where I well and truly got the bug for racing. Since then, I’ve been lucky to ride out for a number of trainers including Johnny Murtagh, Andrew McKeever, Brendan Walsh, Rod Northam and Bjorn Baker, gaining experience both at home and abroad.

I graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science (Equine) from University College Dublin in 2024 and am currently part of the Godolphin Flying Start programme, with graduation due this June.

I’ve always wanted to ride in a race, so the Corinthian Challenge is an incredible opportunity to push myself and experience it firsthand, and most importantly raising funds for Irish Injured Jockeys, a cause that supports those who take risks every day in our industry. Thank you so much for your support.

Tara Moneypenny – I hail from Downpatrick and have been working as an exercise rider in a racing yard since September 2021. Before this, I spent seven years in an eventing yard, competing up to the EI100 level. Having been involved in racing for over a year now, I have always been a passionate supporter of the sport. I took part in the Pat Smullen race last year and that has really given me the racing bug. Witnessing the impact of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund on riders and jockeys some of whom have become friends, this has inspired me to lend my support and raise funds for this worthy cause.

Bobby Fagan -Hailing from Kildare, the allure of racing is hard to resist. My family has been involved with horses for as long as I can remember, and I have been around them since my childhood. In 2006, I enrolled in RACE and gained valuable experience working in both Ireland and England, where I achieved my first victory in a point-to-point race. Currently, I am employed at Holmestead Saddlery, and although I stepped away from the horse industry eight years ago, I am thrilled to return to riding racehorses. I still enjoy riding and take care of my own hunters. Embracing this new challenge is exciting, and it will be incredibly special for my family to see me riding around our local track, the Curragh, during Derby weekend. This race has been on my bucket list for quite some time, while also supporting and raising awareness for a very important association. Any support is much appreciated.

Graham Atkinson – I’m a maintenance operator  from Upton, Co. Cork, and I’ve always had a strong connection to the racing world. Growing up, horses were a constant part of my life, and 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.

Diego Rodrigues da Costa Almeida – I have dedicated my entire life to riding horses and transformed my passion for speed and equestrianism into a career. Working daily in the heart of the racing industry, on 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 those who have suffered serious injuries have access to the best possible medical and physiotherapy 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.

Paul Callaghan – I come from Meath Hill, County Meath. 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 and Racing TV. 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. 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, who make a real difference to the lives and welfare of jockeys during difficult times.

Max Foley – I hail from Carlow and began riding at the age of four, spending plenty of time hunting and having fun with my brothers. Horses have always been an integral part of my family. My brother, Jack, who is now a trainer, was Champion Conditional Jockey back in 2022. Recently, I completed my bursary training with five-time Olympic medalist McLain Ward at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.
This year, I aim to jump in larger classes and participate in away shows. Being selected for a spot on the prestigious FEI Young Rider Academy is incredibly meaningful for me and my team. I’m eagerly anticipating the Corinthian charity race and the opportunity to learn a different riding style, with plenty of tips from Michael O’Neill, a former winning rider. Any support is much appreciated.

Alison McMahon – I hail from Ballingarry, Limerick, and have been surrounded by horses for most of my life. Horseracing has always been a significant part of my family; my uncle, Billy Lee, is a successful flat jockey, and my aunt, Gillian Scott, is a trainer. I have long admired the work of Irish Injured Jockeys and have followed their charity race for many years. Therefore, I am thrilled to be selected as one of the participants in this year’s race. I eagerly anticipate the lead-up to race day at The Curragh Racecourse during Derby weekend. Thank you in advance for your support and donations!