The Pat Smullen Charity Race Day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland
The Pat Smullen race day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland returns to the Curragh Racecourse on Saturday August 30 and will include a host of events and activities to raise funds for Cancer Trials Ireland, the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland.
The Race to €1 Million
Named in tribute to the nine-time Champion Jockey, the Pat Smullen Race Day features the Pat Smullen Charity Race and the Curragh-to-Curragh 100km charity cycle, along with a variety of other events and activities, all aimed at raising funds for Cancer Trials Ireland, Ireland’s leading cancer research trials organisation.
To date, the Pat Smullen Race Day and the Curragh-to-Curragh charity cycle have collectively raised over €840,000 for pancreatic cancer research in Ireland.
This year, the event aims to surpass the €1 million mark, continuing its vital support for Cancer Trials Ireland.
The Pat Smullen Charity Race in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland
The Curragh Racecourse is inviting expressions of interest from riders who would like to take part in the race in memory of a family member or friend who they lost to cancer or to support anyone currently living with cancer.
Run over 12 furlongs, the race is a unique opportunity to ride on the world-famous Curragh turf. In the build up to the race, riders will have access to mentoring sessions from some past and present racing stars.
Riders are asked to raise a minimum of €3,000 to take part.
If you would like to find out more about participating in this years race, please email [email protected]
Last date for submissions is Weds 30th April 2025.
Curragh To Curragh
About Cancer Trials Ireland
Cancer Trials Ireland are a not for profit registered charity whose aim is to maximise cancer trial access and outcomes to prolong patient lives and expand cancer research in Ireland.
They are the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland, working with the foremost Medical, Surgical and Radiation Oncologists, as well as Haematologists and Research Specialists in Ireland. 98% of all cancer treating specialists in Ireland are members of Cancer Trials Ireland.
Cancer Trials Ireland enables, supports and oversees the running of over 100 trials involving thousands of patients. To find out more, please click the link below.
Pictured at the 2024 Pat Smullen Race Day is Professor Grainne O’Kane, inaugural Pat Smullen Chair in Pancreatic Research, University College Dublin.
Speaking at the presentation of funds in 2024
“I am overwhelmed by the determination and commitment of the charity riders and cyclists in their fundraising efforts this year. They surpassed all our expectations in terms of monies raised in Pat’s name. Over the past three years, we have raised over €840,000 in aid of Cancer Trails Ireland which funds life-saving research into pancreatic cancer and recently supported the appointment in August 2024 of Professor Grainne O’Kane as the inaugural Pat Smullen Chair in Pancreatic Cancer at University College Dublin. Professor O’Kane’s goal is to develop and implement robust and innovative research programmes in pancreatic cancer which will be hugely valuable to those receiving treatment for the disease. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation go to the Breeze-Up Consigners Association and to Paddy Power for their support, everyone in the horse racing community, Pat’s friends and colleagues in the weigh room, and to many others whose lives have been affected by pancreatic cancer for this unwavering commitment. It is only due to their steadfast support each year that we can make this long-term funding commitment to Cancer Trials Ireland.”