Racing Stars Line Up for Jog for Jockeys at Curragh on Sunday 21st August

Racing stars Johnny Murtagh, Barry Geraghty, Ruby Walsh, Patrick Mullins, Rachael Blackmore, Jamie Codd, Chris Hayes, Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden, Willie McCreery, Sandra Hughes and Shane Foley are just some of the jockeys and trainers who have signed up for the sixth annual Jog for Jockeys 5km and 10km races at the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday 21st August.
 
Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas winning jockey, Shane Foley was first jockey home in the 2015 10km race and is out to defend his title in this unique race at the Curragh Racecourse. The competition for the winning racing yard or stud farm team in the 5km is expected to be hotly contested. Each winning team member will each receive a €40 voucher, kindly sponsored by TRI Equestrian and a photoshoot for the yard with Alisha Flood. Teams already signed-up are: Sandra Hughes, Gordon Elliott, Ken Condon, Willie McCreery, Richard Brabazon, Darren Bunyan, Michael Halford, Alan Fleming and Johnny Murtagh.
 
Ex-jockey Ken Whelan will act as MC and call both races to order and Dervla Duffy, National Elite 57kg Irish boxing champion will be on-site to provide a boxing-style warm-up. Start time for 10km run is 11am and the 5km runners will begin at 11:20am.
 
Runners can still register online at www.jogforjockeys.ie for €20 or on the morning of the race at the Curragh Racecourse entrance building for €25. The registration desk will open at 8:30am. All monies raised will be donated to Irish Injured Jockeys. Sponsorship cards are also available online and from reception in Horse Racing Ireland at Ballymany, the Curragh, Co. Kildare.
 
Prizes will be awarded to the first three males and females home in both races and there will also be children’s prizes and a team prize for the 5km and 10km along with this year’s new category for the winning racing yard or stud farm in the 5km race.
 
Any runners who bring their race number to the Curragh for racing later that afternoon will get free entry to the Longines Irish Champions Weekend Trials meeting, featuring the Galileo Futurity Stakes and Debutante Stakes. The first race is at 2.15pm.
 
Leading National Hunt Jockey, Barry Geraghty said: “I’ve run both 5km and 10km routes at Jog for Jockeys over the past five years. Whether you are a walker, jogger or serious runner, I’d encourage everyone to give Jog for Jockeys a go next Sunday. There is a great atmosphere and there is good bit of rivalry between the jockeys and trainers.  More importantly, it’s for a really worthy cause. Irish Injured Jockeys provide vital support for jockeys - all funds raised go to the injured riders who are in most need of support.”
 
Michael Higgins, General Manager of Irish Injured Jockeys said: “With just a week to go, I’d urge as many runners and walkers to register for the 5km or 10km at www.jogforjockeys.ie. It’s a great opportunity to walk, jog or run around the iconic Curragh Racecourse and meet lots of racing stars along the routes. Online entry costs €20 or entry on the day costs €25, for either route. A team of five is €100, with the three best times to count. Children under 16 can run for free but if they would like to be in with a chance to win a prize, they can register at the junior rate of €10. We had a great turnout last year and we’re hoping for even more support this year.”
 
All runners will receive a race t-shirt and regardless of distance, all participants will be provided with timing chips to record accurate race times. Free refreshments will also be provided.