INTERNATIONAL dressage rider Tara Hayes is currently raising funds for Cancer Trials Ireland as she prepares to take part in the Pat Smullen Charity Race, which forms part of the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Charity Race Day at the Curragh Racecourse on Saturday, August 29th.

Hayes first represented Ireland at the European Championships for Ponies in 2016 and, in the intervening decade, she has won 17 national titles, most recently with the home-bred and produced Sandora BS at Prix St Georges level last year.

She caught the racing bug when she began riding out for Jessica Harrington three years ago, firstly part-time alongside her studies for her Biomedical Science degree. On completing her degree last year, Hayes embarked on a gap year that has seen her work full-time for Jessica Harrington Racing, while competing her string of three advanced dressage horses.

“I’m riding for friends and family members who have battled cancer,” says the Curragh-based rider. “It’s wonderful to be able to contribute to the research by taking part in a sport I love.”

Hayes’ goal is to raise €3,000 for Cancer Trials Ireland, a charity which is dedicated to funding early phase clinical trials and innovative cancer research in Ireland. Donations can be made through the following link: patsmullenraceday.enthuse.com/pf/tara-hayes