Noel Meade’s esteemed employee, Theresa Maguire is taking her chances in the upcoming Corinthian Challenge, to raise vital funds for The Irish Injured Jockeys fund.

This a cause extremely close to Maguire’s heart, which her family were unfortunate to have had first-hand experience. So, she is trying to give a little back to this worthy cause.

Exclusive Interview

Tell us about your self

My name is Theresa Maguire I’m 25 and I am from Kilmessan Co Meath, I’ve been working for Noel Meade for the past seven years.

How did you get into racing?

My family are very much involved in racing from my father Michael Maguire and uncle Adrian Maguire who were both jockeys which then my brother Jason Maguire who was also a very successful jockey in England / Ireland. Originally, I never planned in working in racing I used to work in Dunsany Stables as a riding instructor and then afterwards I began to work for James Halpin in Dunderry which I used to ride out 3/4 lots and then go hunting which I really enjoyed, after a year with James he moved to Australia and told me to ring Damien McGillick (Noel Meades assistant trainer) I rang him for a job and I started the following morning, I haven’t looked back.

Tell us all about your upcoming fundraiser?

I am delighted to have been chosen as one of the jockeys for this year’s Corinthian Challenge. Originally set up in 2016, the Corinthian Challenge aims to raise funds for The Irish Injured Jockeys - a cause extremely close to my heart and of which my family were unfortunate to have had first-hand experience. Il having a fundraising night Saturday 28th July with an auction and raffle prizes food and music in Fergie’s bar Kilmessan co Meath everyone welcome

What got you interested in doing this?

Back in 2011 I was on a television programme that was aired on Tg4 called jockey Eile and I finished 3rd on a horse called Westhaven trained Noel Meade. Emma Connolly, said to me about the Corinthian challenge because we were talking about charity races at the time, she was doing the Punchestown one, so I applied for it and got accepted, then I passed all of the assessments.

Have the nervous set in yet?

I’ve been very busy with horses at home, I’ve never got to really think about it lately but from today I’m just really excited for the first race such an experience to be able to get to ride at such great tracks and especially the first race on oaks weekend at the curragh

What is it like working at Noel Meade’s?

It’s good working for Mr Meade, I get on with all the staff really well, we love to have the craic. I really enjoy riding the horses especially the youngsters, it gives you a great thrill watching them come in as babies, to progress into good horses.

Do you have any soft spot for any of the horses there?

Oh most definitely I have a soft spot for a few actually, Disko I ride him out every day and very lucky to look after him for racing as well he’s like my most favourite I can’t even watch when he runs I always wait until he’s over the last and then I turn around, road to riches is another I ride him out every day and I’ve actually been very lucky to have hunted him as well in preparation for when he ran in Aintree grand national 2017 , Curley bill is another favourite I’ve been riding him out since he was a 4yr old and such a thrill when he won at the Galway Festival for the yard.

Give us a few horses to watch out for?

• Brace yourself
• Pats pick
• Dream conti
• School boy hours

Away from racing how do you unwind?

Away from racing I like to go and do my own horses I sell Connemara ponies and do some showing with them love hunting cross country etc. I also play football for Dunsany GFC.

Would you have any plans of getting in the saddle full time?

I don’t think I’d like to take up riding full time as a jockey, it’s a very tough game to get going, so I just prefer to do charity races instead. I’m really looking forward to it.

If you would like to make a donation to Theresa’s fundraising event, click here