Murtagh and Walsh lead Challenge teams

Ireland’s top stars Johnny Murtagh and Ruby Walsh will captain the teams in the Flat v Jump Jockeys Challenge on Gaisce Raceday at Leopardstown on May 30.

There will be two races as part of a number of events to celebrate the 25th birthday of Gaisce, the President’s Award.

Walsh, who will not be riding due to injury, will lead a team comprising National Hunt riders Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty, Andrew McNamara, Paul Carberry, Davy Condon, Niall Madden, Andrew Lynch and Robert Power.

Murtagh will be in action alongside Pat Smullen, Fran Berry, Kevin Manning, Wayne Lordan, Declan McDonogh, Gary Carroll and Chris Hayes.

Murtagh said: “It will be a wonderful day and we hope to get lots of young people to come racing for Gaisce day, there’ll be loads of activities to entertain them. Some people will be coming for the first time and hopefully they’ll be bitten by the horse racing bug.

“The Flat lads are very much looking forward to taking on the top jump jockeys of Ireland for the two challenge races.”

Walsh added: “Whenever the jump jockeys take on the Flat boys everyone is out to win, it’s nice to get a chance to ride against the top Flat lads. We’ve a strong team and it’s just a pity I can’t ride, but I’ll be there to cheer the team on.”