February 28, 2011 by Niamh Flynn
Not Enough Hours in the Day!
What: The St. Patrick’s Cheltenham Charity Derby in aid of Cancer Research UK
Where: Prestbury Park, Cheltenham
When: Thursday 17th March 2011
Who: Jockey – Niamh Flynn Owner & Trainer – TBC…..
The days are just flying by and as I write this there is just a little over four weeks to D-Day! The nerves are really starting to kick in!
I decided on Monday I really had to knuckle down and draft together the intended questions for my Table Quiz on Friday February 25th. Not only was this a little bit of fun but I actually began to learn a thing or two…. “What is Triskaidekaphobia???” Answer: Fear of the Number 13! Not 100% sure yet how to apply this to a conversation or how it is going to benefit me in preparation for Cheltenham but it was fun!
On Tuesday evening I managed to get out for a run after feeding my Connemara yearlings, Tio and Spooky. The evenings are getting longer which is giving me a little extra chance to get out. I’m feeling fitter and fitter each day but hopefully I won’t loose any more weight or I will be bringing a wheelbarrow to Cheltenham to carry the saddle from the parade ring! I went to see The Fighter tonight staring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams. It is really worth visiting your nearest cinema to see.
Wednesday I was pretty busy with work here at Tattersalls Ireland so I put training on the long finger today. I think every now and then it is nice also to switch off from “Cheltenham” mode and come back to reality. So when work was over, it was to the couch with the feet up for my CSI fix. Had an early night as I was riding out tomorrow.
Bright and early I headed into Gordon Elliott’s on Thursday morning. We were joined by jockey Davy Russell who was fashionably late – REMINDER: First lot at 8.15a.m. Davy! I managed to ride just one lot this morning as I was rushing back to the office but I hope in the next few weeks to ride out a little more in the mornings.
I was glad to see the arrival of Friday as I had found this week to be particularly long. I am still not going to get a sleep in though at the weekend! I received great support from Darren Lawlor at Navan Racecourse today. He has donated 2011 Membership for Navan Racecourse which included …. Let me get this right (non golfing person writing this!)… a four ball round of golf at Navan Golf Course. Not exactly sure what that means! He has also offered me a race name at their meeting on February 26th. This would be a great opportunity for a company to sponsor me and get their name in the race card on the day. So if anyone is reading this, please get in touch with me to discuss and any amount will be considered.
Another morning riding out in Gordon’s and I feel like I am really grasping this jockey/hand/position coordination! The horses are beginning to settle a lot more for me (or maybe they are putting me on quieter horses!). I hiked my stirrups up two holes today and as we were trotting around the gallops I really felt the strain on my legs kick in. But no pain no gain. On Saturday afternoon I headed to see what was really a spectacular card of racing at Leopardstown. There was a great atmosphere and a pat on the back has to be handed to the staff at Leopardstown for pulling this rescheduled meeting off. I meet some really interesting people at the races and received a promise from an anonymous person that they will match whatever money I raise for charity…. So please please make a donation on my Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Niamh-Flynn
I was appointed “Groom in Charge” of a horse for racing at Navan on Sunday. I really feel I am becoming a jack of all trades! I walked and walked and as I was walking a little bit more I convinced myself that this will benefit me when I am walking the track on Paddy’s Day! Unfortunately we didn’t get best turned out but horse and rider came home safe and in tact. I received great support and encouragement from jockey’s, trainers, owners and everyone in the racing industry and have all promised to attend the table quiz on Friday, February 25th at 8pm in Fergies Bar, Kilmessan… So put it in your diary!
The week ahead looks exciting with the Table Quiz only around the corner and finalizing my Cheltenham Charity Race Horse this week! My main aim though is to raise as much funds as I can for Cancer Research. All donations, how ever small or large are really appreciated. To donate, phone me on 086 1728320, email nflynn@tattersalls.ie, go to your nearest AIB branch and make a lodgment to account no. 93-70-96 1899 7583 or log on to my Just Giving page – http://www.justgiving.com/Niamh-Flynn.
Chat next week!
Thank you!
Niamh x
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