Mary Tyner, 55, takes to saddle for charity race in memory of son Jack

The series of Corinthian Challenge charity races come to a conclusion at Leopardstown on Saturday and there would be no more fitting finale than victory for 55-year-old Mary Tyner, who rides the Joseph O'Brien-trained Vhagar.

Wife of trainer Robert, Mary has taken part in the series in honour of their son, Jack, who tragically lost his life after a fall at Dungarvan point-to-point in 2011.

Jack died six days after the fall and, only this month, the Tyner family received a settlement of an undisclosed sum at the High Court after the HSE admitted liability in elements of his care at Cork University Hospital.

"The only reason I am doing it is for Jack, I wouldn't be doing it only for him," said Mary Tyner.

She added: "It is for such a great cause and it is vital that we continue to raise funds for our jockeys. We know more than most the support that is needed and it is very hard for jockeys who have nothing else behind them. The money raised in these races means a lot. It really is such a worthy cause."

Despite being among the more senior participants, Tyner is guaranteed to be one of the fittest riders on duty at Leopardstown on Saturday as she still rides out every day. She is a daughter of the late Gerald O'Donovan, a trainer from Bandon in County Cork, so she was born into horses.

"Someone mentioned the series to me earlier in the year and I was humming and hawing about it, but my girls at home said 'go for it' so I did. I still ride out every day so I said I might as well. I am 55. Some days I feel it, some days I don't," Tyner said.

She added: "I am really looking forward to the race at Leopardstown and it will be a fun day. I am going to enjoy it but I have a competitive streak in me too and I would love to win. A massive thanks must go out to Joseph for supplying me with the horse and only for him I wouldn't be able to take part."

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