PREPARATIONS are well underway for the Curragh’s popular Pat Smullen Race Day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland on Saturday, August 31st, with A.P. McCoy confirmed to lead the Curragh to Curragh Charity Cycle.

Crucial funds are being raised through a host of events on the day, with the showpiece being the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race, supported by the Breeze-Up Consigners Association.

There is a strong family tie to the much-missed champion jockey in this year’s race, as Smullen’s son Paddy features among the 20 riders taking part.

The riders, who will raise a minimum of €3,000 for the charity, are set to ride over the famous 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.

The 100km Curragh to Curragh Charity Cycle in memory of Olive Lynch, sponsored by Paddy Power, is also a key part of the fundraising. The unique cycle, which begins before racing and takes in Moyglare Stud, Naas and Punchestown Racecourses and Gilltown Stud, returns to the Curragh during racing.

Curragh Racecourse CEO Brian Kavanagh said: “We are delighted to work closely with Cancer Trials Ireland and overwhelmed with the response to the Pat Smullen Race Day, which has raised substantial funds since it was launched in 2019.

Significant impact

“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 charity race.”

Anyone who buys a raffle ticket on the day will have an opportunity to win a holiday for two for seven nights to the four-star Sunset Beach Club on the Costa del Sol, part of the FBD Hotels and Resorts group.

In addition to supporting the Curragh to Curragh Cycle, Paddy Power is also showing their support by sponsoring the feature race, the Irish Cambridgeshire.

Admission tickets are €15 online or €20 on race day, with a contribution going towards Cancer Trials Ireland. Under 18s race for free. The Pat Smullen Race Day Barbeque takes place in the Oaks Restaurant on the same afternoon, with tickets priced at €50 for admission and barbeque.

Donations to Cancer Trials Ireland can also be made via GoFundMe by going to www.gofundme.com and inserting Pat Smullen Race Day in the search.