Pat Smullen-inspired charity cycle 'a great reflection on the racing community'

We Are The Champions was a fitting soundtrack as the peloton of the second Coast To Curragh cycle ride arrived at the Curragh nearly nine hours after their journey began on the beach at Laytown.

At Irish racing's HQ, Frances Crowley, wife of the event's inspiration Pat Smullen, AP McCoy, Kevin Manning and Barry Geraghty held the rope for the finishing brigade.

The 350 cyclists who took part were all champions, recalling a man so poignantly remembered as one.

There may have been seven races to be won on the card, but this day at the Curragh it was about more than just racing, as more than 170 people attended the charity lunch and auction in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland.

Crowley delivered a powerful speech about her husband Pat and what the charity meant, one that organiser Gavin Lynch, who also lost his mother Olive to pancreatic cancer, found hard to follow.

He said: “It was my turn then, but I just couldn’t speak. I became very emotional, it just means the world.”

When it comes to summing up the legacy Smullen left behind and what this day means, trust McCoy to nail it.

“We all know what a brilliant jockey he was, but he was a terrific person as well. He was a bit like all of us, a little grumpy, he had his moments, but he was just a fantastic person,” he said.

“Look at all he has done and the legacy he’s left behind. Not just in racing but in life as well. The efforts he went through to raise awareness for Cancer Trials Ireland. The day I won his charity race here was probably one of the most emotional days I have ever had in racing. It’ll be hard to top.”

More than €26,000 had been raised for the cause before the day got under way, and the charity auction in the Oaks Restaurant raised €66,000 more.

Coast to Curragh charity cycle: raised thousands for charityCredit: Patrick McCann

Signed and framed Honeysuckle silks topped the bill, fetching €16,000, while Smullen’s 2019 Champion's race memorabilia, as well as a round of golf at The K Club with McCoy and Ruby Walsh, were also auctioned off.

Seven racecourses and two stud farms were included along the 155km ride, which began at 8am. Patrick Mullins jumped in at Naas and left at Punchestown, Paul Carberry was also spotted, and Robbie Power made a brief return to the saddle for an hour or two.

McCoy and Geraghty completed the earlier sections of the ride from Laytown to Fairyhouse, where the former jockeys led in the group before dismounting.

“I was crippled after last year, so I only did a small bit this time,” said Geraghty. “It’s just brilliant. God bless Pat’s legacy. It’s not even about the money raised, but the hope it gives people.

"It’s so hard to deal with. But this has been so well supported. It’s a great reflection on the racing community.”

The Curragh has stepped in generously to rename its last Saturday fixture in August in honour of Smullen and Cancer Trials Ireland. It is now a permanent fixture in the Irish racing calendar.

“Everything just went really well. To sell out the lunch, to have 350 cycling, it’s just amazing considering it’s only its second year. I’m so grateful for everyone who gave their time for this," said Lynch.

Pat and Olive would be proud. Absolutely no doubt about that.

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