THE Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race, in aid of the leading cancer trials research organisation, returns to the Curragh Racecourse on Saturday, August 30th.

Now in its fourth year, this inspirational event, alongside the Curragh-to-Curragh charity cycle, has raised over €850,000 to date to support vital cancer research.

This year, organisers hope to reach the €1 million milestone.

A total of 22 riders have committed to taking part in this year’s charity race, which is supported by Ballylinch Stud. All participating riders have a link to someone affected by cancer.

Charity Cycle

The Curragh to Curragh Charity Cycle in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland, the brainchild of Gavin Lynch who lost his mother Olive to pancreatic cancer, will also take place on the same day.

The cycle will start and finish at the Curragh Racecourse, covering 100km and visiting three racecourses and two stud farms. Now in its fifth year and generously supported by Paddy Power, cyclists can join at any of the racecourses or stud farms along the route, choosing anything from a 12km to a 100km challenge.

A.P. McCoy once again joins the cycle to raise funds in memory of his great friend, Pat Smullen.

Cycle participants can register their interest at curraghtocurragh.ie, which is free to join for members of Cycling Ireland.

To buys tickets, donate or for more information, visit curragh.ie/pat-smullen-race-day/ or follow @patsmullenraceday on Instagram.

To donate directly to participating riders, please visit their individual iDonate or GoFundMe pages.

RACE RIDERS

SAM AUSTIN: Currently rides out for Andy Slattery dedicates his ride to his grandparents.

JENNIFER BABINGTON: Rides out with Anthony McCann in Monaghan, rides in memory of her grandmother and uncle.

CHRISTOPHER BRABSTON: Has worked with Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien and now works with Sean Flanagan Valets, rides in the race to raise money for Cancer Trials Ireland following the recovery of his father from prostate cancer earlier this year.

ELLA BUDDS: Rides in memory of her father Ned and uncle Mike, who both passed away from cancer in 2024.

DAVY CONDON: Retired National Hunt jockey, rides in honour of Pat Smullen and his aunt and godmother Jo Townend.

BEN CUSACK: Has worked at Moyglare Stud where Pat Smullen famously rode, supports the cause on behalf of friends and family affected by cancer.

GARY DOWLING: Having grown up around horses, Gary rediscovered his passion for riding at a charity race in Punchestown last year. He is now channelling his enthusiasm into raising funds for Cancer Trials Ireland and cherishes the opportunity to ride around the Curragh.

CIAN FENELON: Remembers his grandmother and supports families navigating the challenges of cancer.

WILLIAM KENNEDY: Former professional jockey, comes out of retirement to help raise funds for life-saving cancer trials.

JESSICA KINSELLA: A Curragh local, rides in tribute to her grandmother, a cancer survivor.

LUCY KAYES: Rides to honour her grandfather lost to cancer and to raise awareness following the recent diagnosis of a close teacher with spinal cancer.

CHARLIE KING: 20-year-old farrier from Laois, joins the race committed to fundraising for Cancer Trials Ireland.

BARRY LACY: Riding on a racecourse for the first time in 32 years in honour of his late father Tom, who passed away very recently following a terminal cancer diagnosis and in memory of his dear friend, Pat Smullen.

OLIVIA MARNANE: Daughter of the late Theresa Marnane of Bansha House Stables – an esteemed horse owner and breeder – rides in honour of her mother and all those affected by cancer.

TARA MONEYPENNY: Rides out for Gordon Elliott Racing, honours family members lost to inoperable brain cancer, while also supporting her father’s ongoing recovery from bowel cancer.

CLAIRE O’RYAN: Niece of Pat Smullen, rides to celebrate her uncle’s legacy and raise awareness for breast cancer survivors and those lost to cancer in her family.

DAVID RYAN: Father of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winning jockey Rossa Ryan, rides in memory of his best friend Gerry Lardener, who died of pancreatic cancer.

AARON SMULLEN: Point-to-point enthusiast who currently rides out for Ballydoyle, takes to the saddle at the Curragh in honour of three grandparents and his cousin Pat, each of whom he has lost to cancer.

PAT SHANAHAN: Former professional jockey, returns to the saddle after years away, riding in memory of his mother and other family members lost to cancer, and in tribute to Pat Smullen.

KATIE TIMMINS: An equine physical therapist, supports ongoing cancer treatment research that has helped her father maintain a good quality of life.

BARTY WALCZAK: Has worked with Colin Bowe for over 20 years and dedicates his ride to his partner Brenda Shortt, who has courageously faced aggressive skin cancer, as well as to family members in Poland lost to the disease.

BRIAN WHELAN: Rides to support his cousin who received a cancer diagnosis on the same week that the day of the Pat Smullen race day was announced. Brian has fully committed, buying his own horse, which is being trained by Harty Racing and will race in his own colours.