The Pat Smullen race day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland returns to the Curragh Racecourse on Saturday August 26 and includes a host of events and activities to raise funds for Cancer Trials Ireland, the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland.
This year, the race day will include the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland charity race. The Curragh Racecourse are looking for expressions of interest from 10 to 15 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 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 €3k to take part.
The day will also feature a special charity lunch which will feature some outstanding auction items. Tables of 10 at the charity lunch are available for €2000 and €200 per person, and include a complimentary drinks reception, a sumptuous four-course lunch and post-race entertainment in the Oaks Restaurant.
Superfly, one of Ireland’s most popular funk and soul bands will perform after racing in the Champions Hall.
Prior to racing, the Coast to Curragh charity cycle will take in six racecourses and Moyglare Stud. Starting at Laytown Races and finishing at the Curragh Racecourse in time for the first race, many racing legends will be among the cyclists including AP McCoy.
Brian Kavanagh, CEO of the Curragh Racecourse, said: “Pat will always be remembered with great fondness at the Curragh and the Pat Smullen race day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland has quickly become one of our most anticipated meetings of the year as well as being a wonderful fund raiser for such a worthy cause. This year we will have a variety of events and entertainment on the day as well as an excellent race programme and we are greatly looking forward to August 26.”
Frances Smullen, commented: “We had a very special day the Curragh last year, so I am excited to see the day develop and grow this year. On the back of the news last week announcing the Pat Smullen Chair in Pancreatic Cancer at UCD, it’s more important now than ever to continue fundraising to support ongoing pancreatic trials and the important research the new Chair will undertake. Whether people take part in the cycle, come racing, join the charity lunch or bid on an auction item, their support and contribution will make a massive difference to pancreatic cancer patients for years to come.”
The first race goes to post at approximately 4pm.
Tickets are €15 online or €20 on race day for an adult.
Tickets are €15 online and on the gate for seniors, over 65 and under 25s.
Curragh Bundle: €28 – General admission, race card, €10 food voucher and €5 tote bet.
There is a complimentary return shuttle bus service from Newbridge and Kildare Town centres and train stations.
To book tickets or for more information, please go to www.curragh.ie
To register your interest in the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland charity race, please email [email protected]
To book a table at the charity lunch, please email Paul Keane at the Curragh Racecourse. Email: [email protected]
To register for the Coast to Curragh Cycle, please visit www.coasttocurragh.ie
Cancer Trials Ireland
Cancer Trials Ireland is a registered charity and the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. It aims to provide every patient with cancer access to high-quality and potentially life-altering cancer trials and to make Ireland a highly attractive location to open cancer trials.
Since 2000, 623 cancer trials have opened in Ireland, with more than 33,500 patients taking part. In 2022, a survey of public attitudes revealed three in five people in Ireland would take part in a clinical trial. Almost all cancer clinical trials available in Ireland are listed on the Cancer Trials Ireland website: www.cancertrials.ie/open-trials.
Cancer Trials Ireland is partly funded by the Health Research Board and the Irish Cancer Society. It also receives income from pharmaceutical companies and international research groups, as well through philanthropic giving and donations from members of the public.
Photos attached L to R: Paul Keane, Gavin Lynch, Barbara White, Eibhlin Mulroe, Frances Crowley, Evan Arkwright – Credit Inpho/Curragh
Race day committee – presenting to Eibhlin Mulroe, CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland following the running of the Pat Smullen Race Day in 2022