THE sun came out just in time for the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race at the Curragh last Saturday and, sponsored by Ballylinch Stud, it produced a very popular winner in Mo Ghille Mar, ridden by Olivia Marnane.

Riding in honour of her mum Theresa, who was taken by cancer in December 2023, Olivia had a busload of supporters at the Curragh, headed by her sister Amy and their dad Con.

Although this was Olivia’s first racecourse ride, she looked very neat in the saddle as she breezed past former professional jockey William Kennedy on the favourite Mordor in the closing stages.

Mo Ghille Mar is owned by the Sands family [Bronsan Racing], who have partnered with the Marnanes in the past with classy sprinter Gimmethebeatboys. But, speaking to Racing TV afterwards, Olivia said that the Sands family “almost insisted” that she wear her own mum’s colours which made “this little girl’s dreams come true”. Amy Marnane described it as her proudest day so far in racing, which is saying something.

Olivia gave particular credit to trainer Jessica Harrington and all at Commonstown Stables. “I’ve been with them for five years. They’ve been like a rock to me, they’re incredible. Andy Slattery, Scott [McCullagh], Nathan [Crosse], Keithen [Kennedy]. I’ve been asking 10 million questions the past three weeks and they’ve been great.”

Amy also gave her sister some advice. “I said to her yesterday, ‘have you got Norman Williamson’s number?’ I said to her ‘Ring Norman, get stuck in.’ So she rang Norman.

“I said to her ‘Look, win, lose or draw, it’s great. But if you happen to be in front, do not turn around to see what’s going on behind you!’

“I’m so proud of her to have raised 30 grand and counting. Hopefully it will mean that someone who is going through cancer will come out of the hospital some day after being told ‘You’re clear, you’re through it’. We weren’t that fortunate but the more people that get good news at the end of their treatment would be absolutely wonderful.”

Donations can still be made to each and every rider who took part via the Curragh’s website.

Web: curragh.ie/pat-smullen-race-day/