My Story

Originally from Scotland, and a graduate of both the Northern Racing College, in Doncaster, and Maynooth University, I currently work as a medical lab aide in a clinical diagnostics laboratory. However, horses and ponies have always been a huge part of my life, starting with my Pony Club days as a kid competing at local shows and hunter trials. I soon became enthralled with the excitement of racing through watching all the big meetings on tv and have now been involved in the horse racing industry since 1997 working as a groom and exercise rider in flat and national hunt yards in both the UK & Ireland.

Working in the industry for such a considerable time has, unfortunately, meant that I am no stranger to major injury and having recovered fully from spinal and neck fractures as well as other multiple broken bones, I can fully appreciate the importance of the work that the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund does for current and ex jockeys who have had the misfortune to succumb to injury through their work. The desire to ride horses however, and specifically race ride, was never quelled by the injuries I sustained and I continue to ride exercise on the Curragh as a hobby at the weekends and in my spare time. I consider myself very lucky to be in a position to capitalise on this opportunity to maintain my fitness & connections in racing. 

The work of the Injured Jockeys Fund in both the UK and Ireland is of major importance in getting injured jockeys and their families the help, treatment and support that is so badly needed during times of recovery from injury and in the aftermath, and to be able to support the important work the IIJ do, by taking part in the 2023 Corinthian Challenge, means a great deal to me....not to mention allowing me to realise the dream of race riding I have held since childhood!! 

Consisting of three races to be held at Naas Racecourse, the Curragh and Leopardstown, I have the exciting opportunity to not only ride in these races, but to complete the hat-trick, while raising awareness and much needed funds for Irish Injured Jockeys.

As part of my challenge not only am I aiming to raise €10,000 for Irish Injured Jockeys, I will need to maintain my weight and fitness throughout the series and engage in race coaching to understand how to ride a race and each course effectively. 

All money raised goes to supporting the incredible work of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund and any donation you feel you could make would be gratefully received and very much appreciated.

Thank you very much for your support.
Anna.