Corinthian spirit

Donegal-based painter and sculptor Marina Hamilton is no stranger to the winner’s enclosure, writes

OU won’t find too many racehorse trainers in Donegal, but that hasn’t stopped renowned Irish painter and sculptor Marina Hamilton in her tracks as she trains for the upcoming Corinthian Challenge.

“I have to drive to the Curragh to ride out every so often, but cycling up hills and gaelic football are just as good in the meantime,” she commented on her fitness regime for a series of three races on the f lat which kick off next month.

Running in aid of the Irish Injured Jockeys, the challenge is limited to amateur riders who will compete in three races over a period of four months from July to October.

All must raise a minimum of €10,000 to participate.

It may come as a surprise to many, but Marina is no stranger to the winners’ enclosure when it comes to racing.

As well as being one of Ireland’s best-known names in the world of painting and the people at Goffs. Just then I had second thoughts and realised it was madness, so I went back to finish school at the age of 18.”

Marina duly passed with f lying colours and spent the next two years studying art in Derry.

From there she spent three years studying for a degree in fine craft design, specialising in ceramics at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Throughout all that time, Marina had horses at home in St Johnston outside Donegal town, and so her love for all things equine never faded.

“I hunted for many years and my three daughters, twins Kellie and Jade (17) and Chloe (14) are also now keen riders.”

Marina’s husband Enda McClafferty is a political correspondent with BBC News Northern Ireland.

Over the years, the family has had many horses and ponies, but her all-time favourite is Teldel. Canadi- an-bred, the thoroughbred has been with his current owner since 1997.

“He has been a fantastic friend and we’ve done so much together. He even went round the cross-country course at Flowerhill earlier this year,” she said of the sprightly 28-yearold. Throughout the course of her career as a painter and sculptor, Marina has made