CORINTHIAN CHALLENGE CHAMPION
Watch the replay of the race here on Racing TV
https://www.racingtv.com/watch/replays/2026-06-26/curragh/2030
Robin De Pelsmaeker – First Place – San Andreas – Trainer Joseph O’Brien
Tara Moneypenny – Second Place – The Mediator – Trainer Gordon Elliott
Paul Callaghan – Third Place – Wackestone -Trainer Gillian Scott
Robin De Pelsmaeker Crowned Corinthian Challenge Winner 2026!
Last Friday at The Curragh Racecourse, thirteen brave riders took part in The Corinthian Challenge Charity Race, supporting Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ). The thrilling amateur charity event was won by Robin De Pelsmaeker, who rode San Andreas for trainer Joseph O’Brien, representing the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate.
During the early stages of the race, Robin positioned herself in third place, while Bobby Fagan set the pace aboard the James Fahey horse, Typical Thomas, along with Graham Atkinson on board Way Down South. At the 4 furlong mark, Robin took the lead on the ten-year-old San Andreas.
The Mediator, ridden by Tara Moneypenny for trainer Gordon Elliott, made a strong charge to finish a close second, while Paul Callaghan secured third place on Wackestone.
After her victory, Robin exclaimed, “What an incredible thrill! He’s such an amazing horse for a ten-year-old, he kept finding more and got his head in front. It’s wonderful for him to retire on a win, and I am extremely thankful to Joseph and the owners. Getting to participate again in this year’s Corinthian Challenge has been an amazing experience.”
Michael Higgins, General Manager of Irish Injured Jockeys, shared, “What an exhilarating race it has been! The riders put in tremendous effort to raise awareness and funds for Irish Injured Jockeys, and we’ve had a fantastic time throughout this journey!”
The Corinthian Challenge is a beloved annual charity race organised by the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund, dedicated to raising awareness and essential funds for the national charity. Participants are individuals who choose to apply for the challenge, gaining firsthand insight into a jockey’s life, from training and fitness to race preparation, culminating in the excitement of racing on the track at The Curragh, which is held on the Friday of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival.
In the lead-up to the race, challengers are also tasked with raising awareness and vital funds for Irish Injured Jockeys. The Corinthian Challenge Charity Race has proven to be a highly effective fundraising initiative for Irish Injured Jockeys.
ABOUT IRISH INJURED JOCKEYS
Irish Injured Jockeys was set up in 2014 to increase awareness and raise vital funds to support injured jockeys. Led by Chairman Ruby Walsh and leading riders, Irish Injured Jockeys’ vision is to provide long-term care and guidance; not only when jockeys have suffered injury through race-riding, but when they will need help in their secondary careers and in their lives after they have finished riding.