Cancer Trials Ireland hails Sheikh Hamdan donation in Pat Smullen fundraiser

Cancer Trials Ireland has paid tribute to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum for the €500,000 donation from his Derrinstown Stud during the late Pat Smullen's extraordinary fundraising two years ago, outlining the overall progress made from the legendary rider's efforts.

The group's chief executive, Eibhlin Mulroe, said: "The money Pat Smullen raised is already having an impact on pancreatic cancer patients. Early last year we funded a NGS [next-generation sequencing] machine for St Vincent’s University Hospital, which can genetically sequence pancreatic cancer tumours.

"By year-end, there was a new trial open in six hospitals and patients have already been recruited. Another two studies for people with pancreatic cancer have been approved, so the impact for those suffering the same condition as Pat Smullen has been tangible, and fast."

She added: "Like Pat, we want to pay tribute to the very significant donation made by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.

Bethrah: lifted home by Pat Smullen to win the 2010 Etihad Airways Irish 1,000 GuineasCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"This donation has been instrumental in helping us to do the work we do for patients in Ireland with pancreatic cancer. Our thoughts are with the Sheikh's family at this time."

Legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast has been an instrumental part of the Shadwell success story in Irish racing and praised Sheikh Hamdan's loyalty to his Friarstown operation.

"We've been together for nearly 40 years – marvellous times with a marvellous man," he said.

"He was very kind, extremely generous and incredibly loyal. His word was his bond. I know he continued to get a real kick out of every single winner. Even to this year, all his winners felt like Derby winners."

The trainer, who handled the likes of Awtaad, Mustameet, Madhmoon, Haatef and Quws, added: "We were very lucky that he came along and supported us. He was extremely good to me and I'll miss him very sadly."

Chris Hayes: won the Joe McGrath Handicap on Sheikh Hamdan's Mufradat in 2004, only four months into the Limerick native's career under rulesCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Dermot Weld trained Bethrah to land the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2010 for Sheikh Hamdan and captured a host of major prizes with horses such as Tarfasha, Mus-If, Mustajeeb, Maharib and Muakaad.

"It's exceptionally sad news and I'd like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family," he said.

"He's been a wonderful owner I've been lucky to train for. He was very knowledgeable and his loyalty was one of his great qualities. He's going to be sadly missed and has been a huge supporter of Irish racing."

Chris Hayes, who partnered Awtaad to Irish 2,000 Guineas glory in 2016, has been riding big-race winners in the famous blue and white silks since his first season in the saddle.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without him and we'll miss him hugely," he said. "Once you were part of his team, he'd never look beyond you for the bigger races and you developed confidence from that faith he put in you."

Read more on Hamdan Al Maktoum

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A magnificent racing life: Sheikh Hamdan's champions down the years

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