MEMBERS of the public are invited to join a host of racing personalities on Saturday, September 25th, on a unique charity cycle, taking in seven racecourses and two stud farms.

Starting at Laytown Races and finishing at the Curragh Racecourse, the Coast to Curragh charity cycle is 155km in total. All monies raised will be donated to Cancer Trials Ireland in memory of Pat Smullen.

Cyclists can join at any of the racecourses or stud farms and choose to cycle a variety of distances from 12km to 155km.

Members of Pat Smullen’s family along with Ruby Walsh, Johnny Murtagh, Paul Carberry, Joseph O’Brien, Fran Berry, Charlie Swan, Barry Geraghty, Paul Townend, Patrick Mullins and racing pundits Kevin Blake and Gary O’Brien are some of the racing stars who are supporting the cycle.

The cycle features a meet and greet with Harzand at Gilltown Stud. Harzand gave Pat Smullen his first triumph in the Derby at Epsom in 2016. The pair went on to secure the Irish Derby a few weeks later.

The Coast to Curragh charity cycle is the brainchild of Gavin Lynch, who lost his mother Olive to pancreatic cancer. A huge racing fan, Gavin was also inspired by nine-time flat champion jockey Pat Smullen who raised much-needed funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer trials over Longines Irish Champions Weekend in 2019 while fighting his own battle with the same illness.

Frances Smullen, Pat’s wife, said: “Pat was so focused and determined to raise as much awareness as possible about pancreatic cancer and raise money for Cancer Trials Ireland’s vital cancer research work, so I know he would be very proud and humbled that Gavin shares the same vision.

“I’d like to sincerely thank Gavin for organising this very special cycle and I’d encourage everyone to take part, even if it is to cycle one or two stages.

“It’s going to be brilliant fun and everyone taking part will visit some of Ireland’s most picturesque and iconic racecourses and stud farms – some of Pat’s favourites and all very close to his heart.”

Gavin Lynch commented: “This is going a very special cycle and I’d love to see as many people taking part and supporting Cancer Trials Ireland.

“We have had brilliant support so far, including generous support from Paddy Power and Servier Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd. They cycle is open to all levels of fitness and ability, so I’ve encourage everyone to give it a go.”

Eibhlín Mulroe, CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland, said: “I want to thank Gavin Lynch for supporting Cancer Trials Ireland, in memory of Pat Smullen and his own mother.

“Gavin’s enthusiasm and endeavour comes at a special time, one year after we all lost Pat, and two years since Pat raised €2.6 million for pancreatic cancer research.

“That money is helping to bring four new options to Irish pancreatic cancer patients – two drug trials, one radiotherapy study, and another study aiming to aid recovery from surgery.”

Register: CyclingIreland.ie

Donate: Search GoFundMe.com for ‘Coast to Curragh’

Sponsorship cards: Ask in Paddy Power shops or email coasttocurragh@gmail.com

Coast To Curragh cycle stages

Saturday, September 25th

7.30am: Laytown Races/Laytown Beach (155km from here to finish)

8.30am: Bellewstown Racecourse

10.00am: Navan Racecourse (110km)

11.30am: Fairyhouse Racecourse (80km)

12.45pm: Moyglare Stud (55km)

2.00pm: Naas Racecourse (30km)

2.15pm: Punchestown Racecourse (25km)

2.45pm: Gilltown Stud (Meet Harzand,12km)

3.30pm: Curragh Racecourse