The Curragh Set For Pat Smullen Race Day

In aid of Cancer Trials Ireland. 8 race programme starting at 4.05pm features the Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Irish Cambridgeshire

The Pat Smullen Raceday in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland returns to the Curragh Racecourse this Saturday and includes a host of events and activities to raise funds for Cancer Trials Ireland, the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland.

A packed 8 race programme starting at 4.05pm features the Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Irish Cambridgeshire which has attracted 29 entries following this morning’s entry stage.  Contenders for the highly competitive contest over one mile include Snapraeterea, recent Galway winner Coeur D’or, Blues Emperor, Laughifuwant, Clever and Cool, Broadhurst and recent Curragh winner Crystal Black.

Insinuendo, Unless, Snowcapped, Village Voice, Goldana and Comhra are among the 19 entries for the Group 3 Snow Fairy Sakes, while there are 12 fillies entered in the Group 3 Newtownanner Stud EBF Stakes including Kalispera, Nemonte, Shelaka, Brilliant and Queen of Thunder.   There are 16 entries for the Group 3 Heider Family Stables Round Tower Stakes, featuring Edwardian, Johannes Brahms, Mansa Musa, Buyin Buyin and Asadna trained in Britain by Alice Hayes.

There are 15 entries in the Plusvital Supplements Nursery, 22 entries in the Bord Na Mona Recycling Apprentice Handicap and 21 entries in the opening race, the Keeper’s Heart 10 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey EBF Maiden.

Pat Smullen’s daughter Hannah, former amateur jockey Kate Harrington and Olympian Sue Shortt are among 15 riders taking part in the Pat Smullen Cancer Trials Ireland charity race supported by The Grafton Hotel, which will be run as the 8^th race at 7.40pm.  They are all riding over the famous Irish Derby course of 12 furlongs, in memory of a family member or friend who they lost to cancer, to support anyone currently living with cancer or as a cancer survivor.

The Coast to Curragh cycle is the brainchild of Gavin Lynch who lost his mum Olive to pancreatic cancer. Prior to racing, AP McCoy will lead the unique Cycle in memory of Olive Lynch which takes in six racecourses and Moyglare Stud. Starting at Laytown Races and finishing at the Curragh Racecourse in time for the first race.

Racegoers will have the opportunity to donate to this very worthy cause during the race day and enjoy a fun evening for all the family which will include post-race party with Superfly, one of Ireland’s most popular funk and soul bands performing on stage after the last race in the grandstand.

Getting to the races

The Curragh offer a FREE shuttle bus service from Newbridge, picking up at the train station and outside Eddie Rockets in the Main Street and from Kildare, picking up at the train station and in the Square at the bus stop.