'Pat was the professional's professional' - Dermot Weld hails trusted partner

We had a wonderful relationship for 19 years. He was an outstanding stable jockey, the professional's professional. His loyalty, integrity and honesty were key factors of the man he was. I can assure you that he'll be sorely missed.

As a jockey, he was very special. We know he was champion jockey on nine occasions and rode winners around the world for me, but he had this great ability of having practically every horse he rode in the right place at the right time in any race.

There were so many incidents that could typify that, but Harzand's win in the Derby at Epsom stands out. Pat would probably say that was his proudest moment. They were the perfect partnership.

Pat had Harzand in the ideal place for a track like Epsom and rode him to perfection. It was a special day for both of us, as it was when he won the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

Watch Harzand's victory in the 2016 Derby

He rode the track at Ascot like few others could. It's a place that lends itself to a rider like Pat Smullen, a jockey with brilliant judgement and great physical strength in a finish.

Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen: enjoyed a 19-year association togetherCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

I struggle to remember Pat being beaten a short head in close finishes of major races and I recall him winning by that margin in the Prince of Wales's Stakes on Free Eagle.

Watch Free Eagle winning the 2015 Prince of Wales's Stakes

His ride on Rite Of Passage to win the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot was spectacular, and the same applies to when Fascinating Rock won the Champion Stakes and Bethrah's Irish 1,000 Guineas for Sheikh Hamdan.

Watch Rite Of Passage's victory in the 2010 Gold Cup

I know that Vinnie Roe was his favourite horse – it would bring an instant smile to Pat's face when he rode him. They won the Irish St Leger in four consecutive years and they typified each other.

They were an extremely tough partnership, as was the case with Pat and Famous Name too. Around Leopardstown they were unbeatable.

I know it was a very special occasion for him when he won his first Irish Derby on Grey Swallow in 2004. He gave that horse a great ride, beating the 1-2-3 from the Derby at Epsom, but he could go anywhere in the world and compete with the best.

Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen: one of Irish racing's great partnershipsCredit: Edward Whitaker

I'll never forget his ride on Dress To Thrill in the Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park. He was taking on some of the best fillies in America ridden by some of the top riders in the country, but Pat outrode those jockeys in the last furlong.

It came down to his sheer physical strength and will to win.

In our early days together we won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket with Refuse To Bend, and that name is very appropriate.

When Pat received his diagnosis, he refused to bend. He battled hard and raised so much money for Cancer Trials Ireland. That work is a great tribute to the man he was.

I extend my deepest sympathies to Frances, Hannah, Paddy and Sarah during this difficult time.