Racing and polo join forces for charity match in aid of injured jockeys

The worlds of horseracing and polo will come together for the 18th edition of the International Ladies Polo Tournament on Saturday, August 19 at Ballyhenry Estate in County Wicklow, all to raise funds for Irish Injured Jockeys.

Hosted by Polo Wicklow, the International Ladies Polo Tournament will draw guests from around the world and successful amateur rider Kate Harrington will be lining up alongside Bryan Cooper, Sean Flanagan and Katie Walsh as the jockeys battle it out against the trainers in a match sponsored by Godolphin.

Kate says: “Training has gone very well and it's so much fun. It's a great laugh but it will be very competitive on the day and we will do our best to beat the trainers.”

The trainers team will feature Charlie Swan, Willie McCreery and Tom Taaffe while more names are expected to be confirmed over the coming days.

As well as comprising well-known trainers and jockeys there will also be equine stars on show with many former racehorses bidding to showcase their versatility.

Siobhan Herbst, Team Ireland captain and manager of Polo Wicklow, says: “It's wonderful to see the level of interest the tournament generates as a top international sporting event.

“We're also delighted that this year’s charity partner is the Injured Jockeys Fund and we can help support the great work they do. Interestingly, most of us are riding re-trained thoroughbreds so it's a great spectacle of horsemanship and rider agility.”

Now in its 18th year, the tournament has raised more than €150,000 for charities to date and will have the backing of Horse Racing Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland for next month’s event.

Tippling’s is a lifetime well spent

With more than half a century of working in the sport under his belt, Alan Tippling was the well-deserved winner of a Lifetime in Racing Award at Catterick on Wednesday.

The Racing Welfare award was presented by former trainer Chris Thornton, Alan’s employer for 31 of his 52 years in the industry – so far.

Alan Tippling with his wife Karen and daughter Sarah at Catterick

Alan, who was born in Sedgefield, began his career aged 15 with Sam Hall at Brecongill Stables near Middleham. Following a winter working for Luca Cumani’s father Sergio in Italy he went on to work for Duncan Sasse, Ken Payne, Ernie Weymes and Chris, before joining the team at Mark Johnston’s. Despite officially retiring in 2015, Alan has continued to work part-time as a driver for Johnston.

“I have loved my time in racing and it is through the sport that I have made many lasting friendships,” says Alan.

Highlight of the day was the Alan Tippling Lifetime in Racing Award Fillies' Handicap. Racing Welfare also hosted a group of retired racing staff.

Legends don their silks for John Shortt

Legendary riders including Richard Hughes, Charlie Swan, Conor O’Dwyer and Paul Carberry will pull on their silks once more in a charity race in aid of the family of the late John Shortt at Punchestown on October 19.

Shortt, an extremely popular jump jockey, passed away earlier this year after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. He was just 53.

Each rider will raise funds ahead of taking their mount in the mile-and-a-half event that will take place before racing.

There will be an auction after racing for which prizes include a return journey by private jet to the UK, a round of golf with AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh, a trip to Dubai, Dubrovnik or the Cheltenham Festival, and much more.

News flash

US Hall of Fame jockey Ramon Dominguez has been appointed an international ambassador for equine charity Brooke USA, which aims to improve the lives of working animals across the globe.

Younger racegoers may not be familiar with the exploits of legendary punter Alex Bird, but those wishing to learn more about his life can now read his biography – The Life and Secrets of a Professional Gambler – on Kindle.

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