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Riders from across Ireland and beyond will descend on The Curragh to compete on Pat Smullen Race Day, which returns on Saturday.

Last year, the event rose €176,771 and this year the race is added the the card for the very first time.

The race will be run over a mile and a half, with riders asked to rase a minimum of €3000 to compete.

It provides a unique opportunity to ride at the prestigious Curragh track – let’s meet those who are taking on the challenge…

Gillian Cody, Dunnamaggan, Co Kilkenny

“I work as an equine vet for Clinic na gCapall covering the Carlow and Kilkenny area. I enjoy hunting, riding club activities and helping my husband Ray Cody with his small training operation. 

“I went through cancer treatment in 2013 and was fortunate and very grateful to have had a successful outcome. Unfortunately, my mother passed away from cancer in 2018.  

“This has given me an appreciation of the importance of Cancer Trials Ireland in promoting research and helping to prolong and improve cancer patients lives.” 

Ber Fahey, Monasterevin, Co Kildare

“I have been involved in racing all my life, as a child I grew up working summer holidays in Jessica Harrington’s.  

“After 12 years working in pharmaceuticals, I made the decision to play more of an active role in the yard at home with my husband Peter.  

“I ride out a few in the mornings and love celebrating the winners!! We had many wonderful days racing with Pat riding for us, as he and Peter go back as far as their pony racing days, so the thrill was always extra special when he was on board a winner for us.  

“I am very fortunate that there are people in my life who have been luckier than Pat in their battle with cancer.  

“I can only hope that with the fundraising legacy that Pat has left behind for Cancer Trials Ireland, there will be many more people winning their fight against cancer.  

“I am riding this race for cancer survivors Anthony Callan, Helen Dempsey and Paul Leech and I remember my father-in-law Brendan Fahey, auntie Nano and uncle Pat Leigh.” 

Katherine Gordon Quayle, Marlborough, Wiltshire

“I work as a research nurse in the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, part of the University of Oxford.   

“The majority of my work and trials is for patients with conditions of the liver and pancreas. Sadly, I know many patients and families who have experienced pancreatic cancer and I have seen how their lives work out, and what they and their families have to endure.  

“My aim, each day is to make it a bit better for them. The ones who do support our trials and research are paving the way for the future, where one day we will be able to say ‘you have pancreatic cancer, but don’t worry. We will make you better’.  

“It is only research that will change this and I am lucky enough to work with the people actually doing this research, and it is amazing.  

“What drives all of this though, is funding and awareness. This is why I am honoured to be given the opportunity to ride in this race to do just that.” 

Kate Harrington, Moone, Co Kildare

“I’m really looking forward to riding in the Pat Smullen Charity Race for Cancer Trials Ireland. Pat was a special person and a brilliant jockey who did so much for cancer research awareness and fundraising. 

“I am dedicating my race firstly to my late Dad Johnny who battled liver cancer for over a year before he passed away, and secondly to my mum Jessica who has just gone through breast cancer treatment over the last nine months.  

“She is battling it with her extraordinary attitude and is nearly at the end of her treatment and in the clear. 

“I did ride as an amateur jockey but haven’t been riding out racehorses regularly for a few years now. But anyone who knows me, knows that I love a challenge!”  

Fergus Lawlor, Stradbally, Co Laois

“This is my first time to ride in a charity race and I am honoured to do so. Cancer Trials Ireland is very close to my heart, and I want to do all I can to help support it. 

“This time last year my dad was diagnosed with cancer, so I am riding in the race for him. “Thankfully, he is doing well now and that’s the reason I am determined to raise as much money as I possibly can for this worthy cause. 

“I have also suffered losses in my extended family over the years to cancer and have a close friend who is suffering because of this disease, which is heartbreaking.  

“I am really looking forward to a great day on Saturday 26^th August and thank you for the opportunity to raise vital funds for Cancer Trials Ireland.” 

Alan Mc Parland, Athgarvan, Co Kildare

“I work as a factory manager in Kildare Chilling Company. in Kildare Town. I have been riding and interested in horses all my life.  

“I enjoy hunting for the winter months and have been riding out for Aidan Howard for the past three summers prior to going to work.  

“Unfortunately, like everyone, cancer has affected both friends and family of mine over the years, some being lucky to have had successful treatments and others not so lucky.  

“I lost my close friend Phil Hore in 2016 and a close business associate, Jim Hewitt, earlier this year.  

“I saw how the disease affected them both and their families so I am more than happy to do what little I can for Cancer Trials Ireland and to try and help others who will face cancer treatment in the future.” 

Grainne O’Neill, Clane, Co Kildare 

“I grew up on a dairy farm in Co Wexford and from an early age I had a keen interest in ponies and hunting with the Island Hunt. 

“As a teenager I rode out for Bert Allen on the sand dunes near Ballygarrett. I now live with my husband Daragh and our four children on our family farm in Clane.  

“I’m riding in the Pat Smullen Charity Race in memory of my father, my father-in-law and my brother-in-law who all succumbed to cancer and to support the brilliant work of Cancer Trials Ireland.” 

 

Joey Ryan, Horse & Jockey, Co Tipperary 

“I’ve been into horses all my life and I’ve wanted to be a jockey for as long as I could remember.  

“When I went to college in CAFRE in Enniskillen last September, I started to ride out every morning and work towards getting my amateur licence.  

“So, when my uncle mentioned to me about the Pat Smullen charity race, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass. 

“It will be great to get some race riding experience, meet new people but most importantly raise some much-needed funds for Cancer Trials Ireland.  

“It’s a cause that strikes a chord with everyone and no one is unaffected by cancer whether it’s friend or family. 

“It’s very close to my own heart also as both of my grandmothers had the disease so I’m doing the race in honour of them and hopefully to enjoy it along the way.” 

 

Sue Shortt, Kilgowan, Co Kildare 

 

“I am a former event rider and was lucky enough to ride at two Olympic Games, a World Championship, and several European Championships.  

“In 2014 I went to China for four years working as manager/head coach to the Yulong Equestrian Team for Mr Zhang Yeusheng. 

“On my return from China, I took up the role as manager for the Irish Young Rider Event Team for HSI and have also spent the last three years with Michael Halford, working on strength, conditioning, and rehab with the horses. 

“I am proud to be riding in the Pat Smullen Charity Race in memory of my brother John, a former national hunt jockey and jockeys’ agent, who died of kidney cancer in February 2017.” 

Hannah Smullen, Rhode, Co Offaly

“In 2019, my dad, Pat Smullen organised the Champions Race at the Curragh in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland.  

“He aimed to ride in this himself, but unfortunately did not get that chance. 

“I am riding in the Pat Smullen Charity Race in his memory. It means the world to me that I have the opportunity to take part in this race to raise funds for CTI.  

“Cancer Trials Ireland provides the hope that dad inspired in so many people. He still inspires me to work harder and be better every day.  

“That is why I would like to contribute in some way to Cancer Trials Ireland, so they can continue to help people to hope.” 

Sinead Smullen, Two Mile House, Co Kildare 

“This is my second time to ride in a charity race this year. Cancer Trials Ireland is such a worthy charity as everyone knows someone affected by cancer.  

“I’m doing this race in honour of a family member and dear friend who are receiving cancer treatment at the moment.  

“I’m really looking forward to riding the Curragh for such a special cause and raising vital funds for Cancer trials Ireland.” 

Nicole Weir, Naas, Co Kildare 

 

“I am currently an apprentice jockey to John McConnell; I ride out there three days a week and the other three days I ride out for Darren Bunyan based on the Curragh.  

“I’m riding in the charity race for my grandad Henry who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes also known as (MDS) which is a rare form of blood and bone cancer. “Unfortunately, due to other health issues chemo isn’t an option for him. He is honestly my best friend, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. 

“Despite everything that has been thrown at him with his health, he keeps fighting, against all odds. 

“So, this race is dedicated the man who sees the brighter side to everything and encourages me to work hard and stay positive no matter what.” 

Anne Widger, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

“I am taking part in the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland charity race in memory of my dad who passed away from cancer, but also as a cancer survivor myself out of gratitude for being able to take part.  

“I was diagnosed with Cancer in 2018 and after many surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bad news, good news, tears, and laughter it will be a privilege to ride on the world-famous Curragh on August 26. 

“Pat Smullen was in inspiration to me both as a jockey and in his infectious positivity during his cancer journey.  

“Horses also gave me a lifeline during my treatment so it seems fitting that I can use the experience to raise money for this charity.  

“Cancer Trials Ireland maximise cancer trial access and outcomes to prolong patient lives and expand cancer research in Ireland.  

“As a cancer survivor I am extremely grateful for the quality of life that I have and am proud to be involved.”