My Story

My name is Vivienne Connolly and I am taking part in this year's Corinthian Challenge. My family have a long association with racing. Five generations have been directly involved in racing since the 1800's with my great great great grandad holding the first public trainers licence.  He built Curragh View at the top of Walshe's hill in 1830. My grandfather Mick Connolly trained from Westenra for over 50 years and my Dad, Robbie Connolly rode 60 winners and ironically also trained 60 winners during his short training career before he passed away from MND aged 31. He was the last Connolly to train from Curragh View. My mum, Jacinta, previously worked in the Turf Club. My own personal racing experience is limited to the last few years when I started going on ride outs in Abbeyfields Farm, getting lessons and then rode out during Covid lockdown in Padraig Roche's.  I'm a primary school teacher in Rathangan and completed the Thoroughbred Exercise and Care course in RACE last summer and rode out in Michael O'Callaghan's. I have been riding out in Martin Brassil’s yard since October 2022 and never thought it would possible to even apply to take part in the Corinthian Challenge. It is a dream to now look ahead to riding in 3 races, particularly at The Curragh Racecourse having grown up opposite the 5f post!     

Consisting of three races to be held at Naas Racecourse, the Curragh and Leopardstown, I have the opportunity to complete the hat-trick by taking part in all three races 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 your donation is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.