Over €2.5-Million Raised For Cancer Trials Ireland

[Wandering Eyes]

Retired jockey Pat Smullen’s fundraiser for Cancer Trials Ireland for pancreatic cancer trials and awareness has thus far raised over €2.5-million. A huge fundraising drive took place last weekend over Longines Irish Champions Weekend, including a charity dinner, online auction of donated items, the sale of souvenir cups and the crowning event, the Pat Smullen Champions Race won by A.P. McCoy. Donations also continue to be accepted on cancertrials.ie, and will be put to use in the near future for two cancer trials ready to commence.

“I never dreamed that we would reach a figure like this and it is a tribute to the kind nature of everyone in the racing and breeding industry–I am overwhelmed,” Smullen said. “Sunday at The Curragh was a special day and a huge thank you to everybody who came along. I don’t think we’ll ever see a race like that again and I owe so much to my good friends, the nine champion jockeys, who came out of retirement to ride in it, as well as the race sponsors, owners and trainers who made the race possible.

“I also want to thank everybody in Horse Racing Ireland for their energy, ideas and encouragement throughout the campaign, the Longines Irish Champions Weekend committee, The Curragh, Leopardstown and the IHRB, the media, all the volunteers and everybody who played a role in helping us achieve our goals. Having worked with the team in Cancer Trials Ireland, I am excited with how they can make your donations work to give hope to those families affected by cancer. A sincere thank you to one and all.”

Eibhlin Mulroe, chief executive officer of Cancer Trials Ireland, said, “The generosity of racegoers and people in the racing industry is breathtaking. We really cannot believe what has been made possible. It is a credit to Pat Smullen’s drive, energy and vision and, of course, the respect and love in which he is held within racing at home and abroad.

“These few weeks have been so exciting and what Pat and the team have achieved is potentially game-changing. I want to assure everybody that we will use your kind donations to the best of our ability and immediately put into action those two cancer trials which we hope will make a big difference to people’s lives.”

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