Pat Smullen has given a positive update on his health ahead of a charity race in his name at the Curragh today.
The legendary jockey is battling pancreatic cancer but was in good spirits at the Kildare track where he enjoyed so many great moments in the saddle.
He told RTE about his health: "We thought we were getting there and were on the right side of it.
"But unfortunately, maybe a month ago, we got a bit of a setback and we're undergoing chemotherapy again. But sure, life's full of setbacks, isn't it? And we just have to deal with it.
"And thankfully, we're getting on with it and working our way through it and thankfully, things seem to be going the right way again."
Smullen was the inspiration for a host of ex-jockeys - AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh, Charlie Swan, Johnny Murtagh, Richard Hughes, Paul Carberry, Joseph O'Brien, Kieren Fallon and Ted Durcan - to get back in the saddle.
All of the funds from the charity race will go to Cancer Trials Ireland and Offaly man Smullen hoped to ride in the race himself until a setback in his recovery.
He added: "It's not about me. It's about raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and vital funds for research and the trials that are needed.
"It was really all about that. But selfishly, I wanted to run here because I wanted to ride at this new venue one last time. I was excited about getting prepared for that and it was going well.
"If there's one disappointment, it's that I'm not riding in the race but it's just unbelievable that the boys, the nine lads came out of retirement.
"Some needed more convincing than others, but they all rallied around and realised what a very important cause that this is and they're going to create a great day."
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