THERE’S no blacktype on offer but next Saturday’s Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race (supported by Ballylinch Stud) is undoubtedly one of the most popular events staged all year at the Curragh.
The race was established by Pat himself in 2019. Staged during Irish Champions Festival, that inaugural running was confined to retired former champion jockeys and was memorably won by A.P. McCoy. Since then the race has moved to a late August slot and, along with the Curragh to Curragh cycle, has raised over €1.2 million for Cancer Trials Ireland.
Most of the 19 riders taking part next Saturday could be described as inexperienced but there are a few notable exceptions!
Nina Carberry, MEP, has ridden well over 400 winners though she claims she has barely had time to sit on a horse since she retired from race-riding in 2018. Nina will make her comeback next Saturday, as will Gordon ‘Flash’ Power, a former leading apprentice jockey who is not only one of the most sought-after breeze-up riders but is also a respected jockey coach.
Watch out also for Tara Hayes, an international dressage rider, while Tadhg McGuinness is well-known on the racing circuit as assistant trainer to his dad, Ado. Orla McKenna of Tattersalls Ireland is always up for a challenge and will be hoping to repeat her success in a similar race in 2018, while Kentucky-based trainer John Ennis is a fascinating entrant.
From Longwood in Co Meath, John rode a few winners in Ireland before moving to the US where he rode work on champion miler Wise Dan before becoming a trainer himself. He had a runner in the 2025 Kentucky Derby and in this year’s Preakness Stakes.
The 19 riders, who have to raise a minimum of €3,000 for the charity, will ride over the 12 furlongs Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby course and are all taking part in memory of a family member or friend who they lost to cancer or to support anyone currently living with cancer.
Frances Smullen, wife of Pat, said: “The support we continue to see for this day is simply amazing. To all the charity riders and cyclists who dedicate their time, train so hard, for such an important cause is really heartwarming.
“There incredible effort, courage, and spirit is so special to my family and I, and together you are continuing Pat’s legacy by helping Cancer Trials Ireland bring real hope to families facing this disease. Special thanks to Ballylinch Stud for their wonderful support that makes days like this possible.”
Brian Kavanagh, CEO of the Curragh Racecourse, added: “The Curragh is delighted to dedicate our August 29th fixture to remembering Pat Smullen and to support the life-changing work of Cancer Trials Ireland. Everyone’s generosity will make a significant impact to pancreatic cancer patients.
“I would encourage everyone to donate to the various initiatives taking place across the day including the charity cycle and the riders taking part in the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race supported by Ballylinch Stud.”
Admission tickets are €15 online or €20 on raceday with a contribution going towards Cancer Trials Ireland. Under 18s are free.
The first race takes place at 1.18pm with the Pat Smullen Charity Race in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland, supported by Ballylinch Stud bringing the eight-race programme to a close at 5.25pm. Other feature races include the Tote Irish Cambridgeshire Handicap, Newtownanner Stud Stakes, Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes and Snow Fairy Stakes.
The 19 riders taking part in the charity race all have their own fundraising pages on the Enthuse platform.
Tickets: curragh.ie
Join the Cycle: curraghtocurragh.ie
Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Charity Race Riders
1. Ava Bourke, Co Tipperary
2. Eimear Browne, Co Roscommon
3. Nina Carberry, Co Meath
4. Daisy-Mae Christie, Northamptonshire, UK
5. Roisin Conway, Co Offaly
6. John Ennis, Co Meath/USA
7. Francis Fagan, Co Kildare
8. Owen Fagan, Co Kildare
9. Tom Foley, Co Tipperary
10. Max Hart, Co Wicklow
11. Tara Hayes, Co Kildare
12. Tadhg McGuinness, Co Dublin
13. Orla McKenna, Co Louth
14. Alex O’Connor, Co Dublin
15. Annie O’Neill, Co Kildare
16. Jane O’Sullivan, Co Dublin
17. Gordon Power, Co Waterford
18. Alister Weld, Co Kildare
19. Lisa Wynn, Co Dublin