Fairyhouse honours Lorna Brooke in renaming of Ireland-Britain riders' challenge

Lorna Brooke's life is to be remembered at the scene of her greatest success next month as an amateur jockeys' challenge between Ireland and Britain has been renamed in her honour.

The Lorna Brooke Ireland v Great Britain Challenge Handicap Chase will take place at Fairyhouse on Tuesday 9 November - a poignant move given the Meath track was where the popular rider memorably landed the inaugural Today FM Ladies Handicap Chase in 2015 aboard Moonlone Lane for Paul Stafford.

In April, Britain and Ireland's racing communities mourned the death of the much-missed figure at the age of 37 following a heavy fall at Taunton that month.

Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe said: "Lorna Brooke holds a special place in the history of racing at Fairyhouse by winning the first ever ladies' chase in Ireland or the UK.

Lorna Brooke: died in April following a heavy fall at TauntonCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"She was a great advertisement for amateur jockeys and the sport of racing, and the photo of her beaming smile while holding the trophy is very special."

He added: "We are delighted that the Brooke family have allowed us to name the race in her honour."

Both teams in the challenge features two male and female riders, with a points system around the race deciding which team becomes the first winners of the Lorna Brooke Trophy.

Ten-time Cheltenham Festival-winning rider Jamie Codd has been confirmed for the Irish squad alongside bright talents Barry O’Neill, Aine O’Connor and Maxine O’Sullivan. Gina Andrews, Becky Smith, Tommie O’Brien and James King will represent Britain.

A necklace designed by Carol Bergins will be presented by the Brooke family to the lady rider who achieves the best finishing position in the chase, while the the winning jockey and team will all receive trophies presented by the Amateur Jockeys Association.

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