Pat Smullen charity raceday raises €240,000 as it evolves into regular fixture in racing calendar

The Curragh's Pat Smullen raceday raised €240,000 in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland as the event evolves into a regular part of the racing calendar.

The occasion, held on August 31 this year, consists of the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race, run in honour of the jockey who became an activist for pancreatic cancer research after he was diagnosed with the disease in 2018. A Coast to Curragh 100km charity cycle also took place alongside more events to raise funds for cancer research.

The raceday has raised €840,000 in the last three years and this year's race saw Paddy Smullen, son of Pat, take his first public ride on the Gordon Elliott-trained By Your Side, who finished third to Icare Desbois, ridden by Stephanie Searle. Paddy's sister Hannah filled the same position in 2023.

Funds generated have also supported the appointment of Professor Grainne O'Kane as the inaugural Pat Smullen Chair in Pancreatic Cancer at University College Dublin in August, a new position aimed at creating a global centre of excellence for treatment and research into the disease.

Angela Clayton-Lea, chief operations officer of Cancer Trials Ireland, said: “Pat Smullen’s legacy lives on through the awareness and funds generated for pancreatic cancer patients, including new treatment options for 174 patients with pancreatic cancer, at no cost to themselves or to the state. 

"Professor O’Kane, in her capacity as the Pat Smullen chair in UCD, will help to further develop the research infrastructure in place in hospitals, meaning we will be better able to support the development of pancreatic cancer clinical trials in general, and be ready to take full advantage of important treatment advances which may give rise to further research opportunities for pancreatic cancer.”

After the cheque presentation, Brian Kavanagh, chief executive officer of the Curragh, acknowledged the huge efforts of the Pat Smullen raceday committee, led by Smullen's wife Frances Crowley.

He said: “We're in awe of Frances and her determination each year in bringing this raceday to life, raising funds in Pat’s name and for the benefit of hundreds of people throughout Ireland suffering with pancreatic cancer. 

"Pat’s memory is very special at the Curragh and he would be very proud of the efforts and endeavours of all those who held him in such high esteem and work tirelessly in his name to raise funds for the fight against this disease."

The Curragh is inviting interest in taking part in the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race on August 30 next year. Contact Evan Arkwright at the Curragh Racecourse by email eark@curragh.ie.

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