This weekend will see some of Ireland’s best jockeys getting back in the saddle in the name of charity.
Pat Smullen’s Champions Race for Cancer Trials takes place at the Curragh this Sunday, September 15th. The event features as one part of the wider fundraising weekend for Cancer Trials, Ireland’s leading cancer trial body.
There will be a star-studded lineup of nine of Ireland’s best-known jockies racing on the day including Johnny Murtagh, Ruby Walsh and Paul Carberry.
Champion jockey Chris Hayes announced he would be donating his riding fees for the fundraiser on Twitter on Sunday:
Along with Hayes, Irish jockies Donnacha O’Brien, Gary Halpin and Conor Hoban also expressed their backing of the fundraiser.
The support has even gone global with Australian apprentice Robbie Dolan taking to social media to announce his donation to the worthy cause.
Champion jockey Pat Smullen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2018, and has since retired from racing as a result. The jockey was due to take part in the upcoming race. However, he announced his withdrawal back in August on health grounds.
All proceeds from the Champions Race will go towards two pancreatic trials, one drug trial and one radiotherapy trial. The trials were previously delayed due to a lack of funding. Thanks to organisations such as Cancer Trials cancer patients can gain access to new and promising treatments. We wish all involved the best of luck this weekend!
You can find more information on Cancer Trials here.