McCoy, Geraghty and more come together for Laytown to Curragh charity cycle ride

The Coast To Curragh charity cycle ride in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland, which raised more than €185,000 last year, has attracted a star-studded line-up of racing personnel for its second outing on August 27.

Legendary former and current jockeys such as Sir AP McCoy, Paul Carberry, Barry Geraghty, Robbie Power and Patrick Mullins are some of the famous racing faces who will be taking part at different stages along the 155km route, which begins at Laytown racecourse at 8am and will run all the way to the Curragh for arrival at approximately 4.30pm.

Chief organiser Gavin Lynch says he is expecting approximately 300 cyclists to take part in the event and is grateful to those who will be devoting their time to such a worthy cause.

Lynch said: “It’s a real feelgood factor. To get to cycle with some of those famous jockeys is just amazing. They are so nice and friendly. They’ll talk to anybody. They’re the nicest people.

“The good thing about the cycle is that people can do as little as five or ten or kilometres. People can pick and choose where they would like to start and stop and can only do a certain amount if they please. There’s lots of different options for people which is nice.

“We’ve got support vehicles and ambulances and loads of help. It’ll be like a slow Tour de France.”

The Curragh card that day has been renamed the Pat Smullen Race Day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland and will feature a charity lunch and auction.

Items at the auction include theCheltenham-winning silks of Honeysuckle and A Plus Tard signed by Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead, the racecard used by commentator Dessie Scahill for his last race, as well as a one-hour riding lesson with Geraghty, Carberry and Power before a tour of Gavin Cromwell’s and Gordon Elliott’s stables.

Lynch added: “You can’t buy stuff like that. If there’s somebody there with kids who are mad into showjumping or racing it would be ideal. It’s a brilliant prize.”

If people are unable to attend the lunch and auction but still are interested in making a bid, they can email for information on how to bid.

All donations can be made online at coasttocurragh.ie

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