Charles O'Neill, CEO of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM), has issued an update on his progress ahead of his participation in the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race at the Curragh on Saturday, August 31.
O'Neill is one of 20 riders scheduled to take part in the race run in honour of Smullen, the nine-times champion jockey in Ireland who died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 43 in September 2020.
The other riders in the race include Smullen's son Paddy, who started riding racehorses at Conor Hoban's pre-training yard a few years ago and is currently riding out for Gordon Elliott and Dermot Weld.
“After years of wondering what I can do to provide support for the fight against cancer I have decided to ride in the above race [Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland Charity Race],” said O'Neill in a statement.
“Some 13 years ago I lost my younger brother David and my dad Charlie to this terrible illness. Since December 1, 2023, to allow me to ride in the event I have been riding out five days a week with supporting horse trainers Martin Brassil, Shane Nolan, Ross O'Sullivan, Johnny Murtagh and Jessica Harrington.
“It's 35 years since I last sat on a racehorse and I have been working closely with RACE [The Racing Academy and Centre of Education] to make this race date. In the process I have lost over 20kgs in weight in order to make the scales.
“I really would appreciate any support that you can give and you can sponsor me by clicking this link.”
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