TWENTY riders are due to take part in the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Race supported by the Breeze-Up Consignors Association, which takes place at the Curragh on Saturday, August 31st.

The late jockey’s son Paddy is among the riders who unfortunately know too well the devastating losses caused by cancer. Many hail from the industry, while some like Richard Brede are relative newcomers, the Kilcullen man having only started riding lessons in 2021.

In preparation for the 12-furlong test, all 20 have been busy reaching their race weight and gaining valuable experience at various yards across the county.

They have all raised at least €3,000 each in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland, while the 100km Curragh to Curragh charity cycle in memory of Olive Lynch, and sponsored by Paddy Power, is also a key part of the fundraising. A.P. McCoy will lead the unique cycle, which takes in Moyglare Stud, Naas and Punchestown racecourses and Gilltown Stud before returning to the Curragh during racing.

A raceday raffle will also raise valuable funds, with ticket holders in with a chance 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.

Charity race riders

Cara Archbold, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow

Richard Brede, Kilcullen, Co Kildare

Triona Burbage, Portarlington, Co Laois

Erin Campbell, Clady, Co Tyrone

Aidan Coonan, Maynooth, Co Kildare

Anna Cropper, Kildare Town, Co Kildare

Claire Farrell, Gowran, Co Kilkenny

Charles O’Neill, Clane, Co Kildare

Eva O’Neill, Naas, Co Kildare

Ellie Gartlan, Dromin, Co Louth

Mark Harley, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Shane Harris, Fethard, Co Tipperary

Jamie Heffernan, Cashel, Co Tipperary

Andrew Kinirons, Newbridge, Co Kildare

Aisling McGuinness, Rush, Co Dublin

Emily MacMahon, Kilmessan, Co Meath

Steph Searle, Goresbridge, Kilkenny

Paddy Smullen, Rhode, Co Offaly

Derek Stamp, Rosslare Strand, Co Wexford

Joan Widger, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

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

To register for the Curragh to Curragh cycle, please visit www.coasttocurragh.ie

Three cheers for birthday boy Sherlock

A SURPRISE 90th birthday celebration for Doneraile’s Christy Sherlock saw family and close friends gathered for an evening full of good cheer, goodwill and great memories at Springfort Hall on August 12th. Christy is best known locally for his involvement with and support for horse racing, especially point-to-points. Among the notable guests was Christy’s brother, Canon Tom Sherlock, a native of Farrahy, near Kildorrery, where they grew up.

In lieu of bringing presents, guests were invited to contribute to the Injured Jockeys’ Fund. Unfortunately, Christy’s father, the late Richard ‘Dick’ Sherlock, was killed in a horse riding accident, when Christy was still a boy.

Christy’s many old friends, including Tom Walsh, from Kildorrery and author Ollie O’Donoghue, wish him long life and happiness.

Irish Injured Jockeys would like to thank all who contributed and are delighted to say that €2,500 was kindly donated.

Mercedes-Benz partnering with Leopardstown for Champions Festival

A NEW type of horsepower is set to feature at Leopardstown, with Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge revealed as the Official Car Partner on the opening day of the Irish Champions Festival on September 14th.

The partnership is a continuation of Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge’s partnership at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

The brand’s latest models, from all-electric, to hybrid, diesel and petrol, will be displayed around the enclosure, with members of the Ballsbridge team on hand to discuss any queries.

The ideal way to spend your winnings?

Spotted: Browne switches disciplines

OUR intrepid RDS reporter Margie McLoone misses little across all the disciplines at the Dublin Horse Show and spotted former conditional rider Barry Browne, who rode successfully for the Oliver McKieran stable, featuring well in the four-year-old working hunter class.

Browne, who had to stop race riding because of a bad fall in 2022, finished fourth aboard Zoe Gallagher’s home-bred Irish Draught gelding, Passions Storm (No 134).