Yvonne Connolly has won her first race as a jockey in the opening race of the Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series at the Curragh today.
Connolly, who was married to Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating until 2015, admitted she was in shock after she rode Neverushacon to victory in the 6 pm opening race of the Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series for horse trainer Jessica Harrington.
The race was the opening leg of the series in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys.
After the mum-of-three said: "I really enjoyed it I’m in shock but over the moon, I just did exactly what Jessica (Harrington) told me to.
"I relaxed as much as I could and remembered to breath and deep down I knew from the half way mark that I was going to win!”
The Corinthian Challenge Series is made up of three races at The Curragh, Cork and Leopardstown Racecourses over a four-month period from July to October.
Each rider has to aim to raise €10,000 for benefiting charity Irish Injured Jockeys.
Speaking after the race, retired jockey and board member of Irish Injured Jockeys, David Casey said: "The Corinthian Challenge is our big annual fundraising event and we are so grateful to all of those who take part, it is a major commitment and the funds they raise are vital to our charity and all that we do here Irish Injured Jockeys.
"I am delighted for Yvonne today she rode a brilliant race and was undoubtedly a very worthy winner. Yvonne winning the opening race of the series will certainly help us to achieve greater publicity and reach a wider audience with our message."
Fundraising is ongoing and racing fans can support their favourite Corinthians at www.corinthianchallenge.com .
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