Cancer fundraising efforts inspired by late Rhode jockey raise over €1.2 million

Five years after his untimely death from pancreatic cancer, the remarkable legacy of outstanding flat-race champion jockey from Rhode, the late Pat Smullen, continues to live on fundraising efforts to inspire hope and progress in the fight against cancer.

The latest fundraisint effort in the name of the legendary local jockey - the 2025 Pat Smullen Race Day and the Curragh to Curragh Charity Cycle - raised €351,631 for Cancer Trials Ireland, bringing the total funds generated since the initiative began in 2022 to over €1.2 million.

Pat Smullen was just 43 years of age when he passed away in September 2020, after an 18 month battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind his wife and former Classic-winning trainer, Frances Crowley, and their three children, Hannah, Paddy and Sarah.

The Pat Smullen Race Day at the Curragh Racecourse is now a much-anticipated highlight of the flat racing calendar which unites two major fundraising efforts in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland.

The Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race, generously supported this year by Ballylinch Stud, featured 22 dedicated riders taking to the track in tribute to the legendary champion jockey and in memory of loved ones affected by cancer.

The Curragh to Curragh Charity Cycle, conceived by Gavin Lynch in memory of his late mother Olive, who passed away from pancreatic cancer, once again drew a phenomenal response. Over 150 cyclists took part in the 100km route supported by Paddy Power, visiting three racecourses and two stud farms before returning to the Curragh Racecourse for race day celebrations.

Funds raised have directly supported the establishment of the Pat Smullen Chair in Pancreatic Cancer at University College Dublin, held by Professor Gráinne O’Kane. This pioneering role aims to make Ireland a global leader in pancreatic cancer research and treatment.

Speaking at the presentation, Angela Clayton Lea, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Trials Ireland said “it is a very exciting time for global researchers who are studying this disease, because we are developing new drugs that can really target the most common mutations in pancreatic cancer. In the next year, Prof Grainne O’Kane – who is the Pat Smullen Chair in Pancreatic Cancer in UCD – is set to open at least two clinical trials targeting specific mutations in the tumour to help provide a precision oncology approach.”

The continued success of the Pat Smullen Race Day and associated events stand as testament to the enduring legacy of Pat Smullen, the deep affection in which he is held both in Offaly and across the racing world nationally and internationally, and the extraordinary community united in his name to make a lasting difference.

The Pat Smullen Race Day 2026 will take place on Saturday, August 29.