The Coast to Curragh charity cycle will be run for a second year in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland on Saturday, August 27, where the legendary Pat Smullen will be remembered on the day.
The Curragh have dedicated the August 27 fixture to the nine-time Irish champion jockey and the racecourse chief Brian Kavanagh revealed that he hopes to grow the event.
The Coast to Curragh Cycle, which raised more than €185,000 last year, starts at Laytown Racecourse at 8am taking in seven racecourses and two stud farms in total, finishing at the winning line at the Curragh during the race meeting.
The charity cycle will see racing legends AP McCoy, Barry Geraghty and Paul Carberry take part.
Kavanagh said, “Pat Smullen is remembered every day here at the Curragh and we are honoured to have our Jockeys Room named after him. We are delighted to team up again with Frances, Gavin Lynch and support the team from Cancer Trials Ireland with their ongoing work in this important area. Our objective is that the Pat Smullen Race Day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland will be an important event in our calendar every year to create a fun day for everyone while raising money for a very worthy cause.”
On the track, racegoers are promised a high-class card and entertainment including the Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Irish Cambridgeshire, Snow Fairy S., Heider Family Stables Round Tower S. and Newtown Anner Stud S.
In addition to racing, there will be meet and greet zone for racing fans to meet the jockeys, free children's entertainment, live music and a delicious BBQ ensuring a great day out for all the family
Cancer Trials Ireland will also be on hand offering advice and information on the services they provide. There will also be copies of Pat Smullen's autobiography on sale, signed by Pat's wife Frances and writer Donn McClean.
Frances Smullen, said, “The Coast To Curragh charity cycle was a huge success last year so to build on it with the race day and charity lunch at the Curragh on Saturday August 27 will be very special and a great day out. I know Pat would be thrilled that the important work of Cancer Trials Ireland continues to be promoted and highlighted. Our family are really honoured that the Curragh and Gavin Lynch, who organises the Coast To Curragh charity cycle, have come together to host this special race day in memory of Pat.”
All monies raised from the cycle, charity auction, book sales and contributions from the public and the Curragh Racecourse will be donated to Cancer Trials Ireland, the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland.
There are a small number of tickets for the charity lunch are still available for €200 per head and include a sumptuous four-course lunch in the Oaks Restaurant. Pat's good friend and Racing TV presenter, Fran Berry will act as MC and tipster.
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