Pat Smullen Charity Race

On 30th August I will ride in the Pat Smullen Charity Race at the Curragh. I decided that I wanted to ride in the race in January. The week that the Curragh asked for expressions of interest for the race, I found out that my cousin Catherine Kelly (Catherine Feeney for those of us who know her from before she was married) had been diagnosed with Cancer. Catherine and myself are the same age and have always been very close. So I wanted to ride in the race to support her.

Although I did a small amount of horse riding in my early/mid twenties, it’s about 15 years since I’ve been on a horse. And I never rode thoroughbreds or racehorses. I have been training since the beginning of March with jockey coach Paddy Flood in RACE. Paddy has been brilliant and in less than 3 months I have gone from not being on a racehorse before to passing the assessment to ride in the race.

I will continue to train with Paddy until the race and now I am riding out with Harty Racing 3/4 days a week. A huge thanks to Eddie and Patrick Harty for allowing me to train with them for the race. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. Their staff have been very helpful and patient on my journey and all in Harty Racing are excited about me riding in the race.

The Pat Smullen Charity Race is run in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland. The Curragh have raised €840k in total from previous years and they hope to break through the €1 million total raised this year. I want to play as big a part in this as I can. Cancer Trials Ireland plays a very important part in trying to find cures for Cancer. Any donation you can make is appreciated.

More information about Cancer Trials Ireland CLG: Mission: To be an indispensable all-Ireland hub for cancer trials, globally recognised for excellence in governance, collaboration and innovation in clinical research.

Copy the link below into your browser to view the complete statement regarding our Vision and Mission.

https://www.cancertrials.ie/about-us/vision-and-mission/