Curragh set for Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland raceday

The Pat Smullen race day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland returns to the Curragh Racecourse on Saturday August 26 and includes a host of events and activities to raise funds for Cancer Trials Ireland, the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland.

Racegoers will have the opportunity to donate to this cause during the race day and enjoy a fun evening for all the family which will include post-race party with Superfly performing on stage after the last race in the grandstand.

Pat Smullen’s daughter Hannah, former amateur jockey Kate Harrington and Olympian Sue Shortt are among 15 riders taking part in the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland charity race supported by The Grafton Hotel, who are all raising funds individually. They are all riding over the famous Irish Derby course of 12 furlongs, in memory of a family member or friend who they lost to cancer or to support anyone currently living with cancer.

Taylor Swift and Coldplay tickets, a coaching lesson with Ronan O’Gara, a racehorse with Joseph O’Brien for the 2024 flat season and a private dinner for 12, cooked by celebrity chef Martin Shanahan, VIP tickets to the Irish Open Golf and Premiership games are some of the amazing auction items kindly donated by the sporting and racing world for the online auction in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland, another element of the fundraising activities.

The full list of auction items is now available to view at app.galabid.com/patsmullen23

Paddy Power will support the day once again this year, adding their name to the feature race, the Irish Cambridgeshire, with the full sponsorship fee going directly to Cancer Trials Ireland. The Coast to Curragh cycle is the brainchild of Gavin Lynch who lost his mum Olive to pancreatic cancer. Prior to racing, AP McCoy will lead the unique Cycle in memory of Olive Lynch which takes in six racecourses and Moyglare Stud. Starting at Laytown Races and finishing at the Curragh Racecourse in time for the first race.

Brian Kavanagh, Curragh Racecourse CEO, said: “We are overwhelmed with the response to the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland raceday on Saturday August 26. Everyone’s generosity will make a significant impact to pancreatic cancer patients. We are honoured to continue Pat’s legacy and and support the life-changing work of Cancer Trials Ireland. I would encourage everyone to support the charity cycle, the riders taking part in the Pat Smullen charity race, the brilliant online auction but most importantly to come racing and be part of this special day.”

Paddy Power spokesperson Rachael Kane said “The Irish Cambridgeshire has been a highlight of the racing calendar for many moons, but it’s become a truly unmissable occasion since the inception of the The Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland day. We take huge pride in supporting this event since its establishment in memory of one of Irish horse racing’s true legends.”

Eibhlin Munroe, CEO, Cancer Trials Ireland “The steadfast support of the racing community over the past four years is changing the face of pancreatic cancer trials and research in Ireland. This charity race is yet another way they have found to support Cancer Trials Ireland, and we wish the riders the very best of luck with their fundraising and for the race.”