Cheltenham or Dublin Horse Show – Carberry holds his own at both

Few could ever have doubted Paul Carberry's phenomenal horsemanship abilities in his career as a jockey, and it should come as no surprise that the 43-year-old has been able to transform that talent to showjumping, where he recently competed on the international stage at the Dublin Horse Show.

Taking to the Main Arena at the Royal Dublin Society, Carberry and Brandonview First Edition qualified for the international seven- and eight-year-olds event, where the Grand National-winning rider rubbed shoulders with the likes of Bertram Allen, Greg Broderick and Cian O'Connor.

"It was a great buzz," says Paul. "While it was a big step up for me and the horse, we came away with plenty of experience from it, which is the great thing."

Paul Carberry and Jessica Harrington were judges at the Dublin Horse ShowCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Despite not managing to finish in the placings, Paul explains that it was an experience to live long in the memory.

"It's a different sort of excitement to race riding but to be there is fantastic" he says. "The Dublin Horse Show is, in my eyes, the pinnacle – what Cheltenham is to National Hunt racing."

Paul was also judging at the Dublin Horse Show alongside Jessica Harrington, and in such early days in post-racing career, it was an excellent achievement to have reached the heights of the prestigious RDS event.

Wetherby charity raceday welcomes back regular famous face

Wetherby's Spinal Research Race Day will return this autumn – and so too will regular supporter Jack Berry.

The event, now in its 27th year, will take place on Wednesday, October 18.

Legendary trainer Jack has attended the event since it began and says: “I always look forward to the first event at Wetherby. It’s a great day and I’m proud to support Spinal Research. Many jockeys suffer a spinal cord injury and it’s important to keep up the research.”

Jack Berry supports Wetherby's charity race day each yearCredit: Louise Pollard

The event was founded by Rachel Wright, who broke her back in a riding accident at 21. Sadly, Rachel died in 2006, but will be honoured on the day by the Rachel Wright Memorial Hurdle.
Spinal Research Wetherby Race Day committee member Carole Flather adds: “Spinal Research is a charity that is very close to the hearts of many guests who attend as many of us know someone who has been unfortunate enough to suffer a spinal cord injury.

“By attending this special day, we can help fund research around the world to develop effective treatments for the devastating effects of paralysis.”

Marquee guests enjoy a champagne reception and lunch followed by racing and fundraising activities, including an auction and raffle in aid of Spinal Research. This year’s guest speaker will be Alex Toon, who was left paralysed after a mountain biking accident. Tickets are now on sale and profits go directly to the charity. For more information and to book your place, click here.

Charity golf day never disappoints on celebrity front

As far as star-studded events go, the annual Jim Old IJF Golf Day is right up there with the best – still going strong after 27 years.

Highlight of the 2017 renewal, held on Monday, was the return to competition of George Baker, who continues to amaze with his recovery from a serious head injury sustained in a fall at St Moritz.

Baker’s team finished a more than respectable 12th – of 48 – but it was Richard Flower’s Flowervision team who topped the table on 89 points. Flower was joined by Simon McNeil, Michael Caufield, Tom Grantham and Peter Hobbs.

George Baker, Dominic Elsworth and Bryan Mathieson, all of whom have recovered from serious head injuries

Other familiar faces in attendance included AP McCoy, Dominic Elsworth, Nick Gifford, Steve Smith Eccles and John Francome, plus young guns Jack Lander and Freddie Fletcher.

The annual fundraiser is estimated to have raised more than £600,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund, with £23,000 expected to be added to the pot following this week’s event.

Sports pyschologist Michael Caulfield summed up the wealth of good feeling on course when tweeting: “For about the 1,000th year running, Jim Old @IJF_official Golf Day full with teams because it’s Jim Old. You say yes, because it’s Jim Old.”

Real McCoys celebrate the jumps season

The jumps season proper is just hiding over the horizon, and will be kicked off in style by the inaugural McCoys South West Jump Awards at Cheltenaham on Friday, September 29.

Created to celebrate ‘the brilliance of jump racing’, the awards will honour the triumphs and highlights of the season.

Ian Renton, regional director for the Jockey Club, South West, says: “With 50 graded races across the South West courses of the highest calibre, the awards will provide a setting for incredible moments to be celebrated. We very much look forward to hosting the awards and celebrating each nominee and winner on the night.”

The evening will be hosted by Alice Plunkett and Nick Luck. Click here for further information.

Jog for Jockeys returns

The hugely popular Jog for Jockeys, where entrants can run, walk or crawl 5km or 10km routes around Naas racecourse, will take place next Sunday in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Entrants can register online for just €20. Entries on the day cost €25, while a team of five can be entered at €100. All children can take part free of charge, but there is a €10 fee for children who would like a T-shirt and a timing chip.

Jog for Jockeys: the popular fundraiser takes place next weekCredit: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Michael Higgins, general manager of Irish Injured Jockeys, says: “With just a week to go, I’d urge 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 track at Naas racecourse and meet lots of racing stars along the routes.”

News Flash

The three Juddmonte-backed top juvenile races at Newmarket, the Middle Park, Cheveley Park and Royal Lodge, are to receive a 2018 prize-money boost. The trio are worth a combined £500,000 this year but that will rise to £675,000 in 12 months’ time – a near 50 per cent increase on 2016.

Hello Girl delivered a 400th career win for Dean Ivory on Monday.

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