Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Robert Hynes

The Curragh to rename jockey's room in memory of Pat Smullen

The jockey's room at the Curragh is to be renamed the Pat Smullen Jockey’s Room in memory of the legendary rider.

The 43-year-old passed away in September after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2018.

Announcing the tribute, the Curragh said on Twitter: "The Curragh Racecourse is pleased to announce that the Jockey’s Room in the Curragh will be named the PAT SMULLEN JOCKEY’S ROOM as a lasting memory of a true gentleman, great friend and wonderful ambassador of racing and Ireland."

Pat's widow Frances welcomed the news, saying her late husband would be "incredibly proud".

She tweeted: "Pat would be incredibly proud, thank you very much to everyone involved."

The Co Offaly jockey enjoyed incredible success in the saddle, being crowned Irish champion flat jockey on nine occasions.

CEO Horse Racing Ireland Brian Kavanagh and the Chairman of Curragh racecourse Padraig McManus present a bouquet of flowers to wife Frances and children Hannah, Sarah and Paddy (©INPHO/Tommy Dickson)

His big race victories include the Epsom Derby, 2,000 Guineas and Champion Stakes in England, as well as both the Ascot Gold Cup and Prince of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot.

In Ireland, he won the Irish Derby twice, the Irish 1,000 Guineas two times, the Irish Oaks once and the Irish St Leger on four occasions.

While receiving treatment for his cancer, Pat began a huge fundraising effort for Cancer Trials Ireland.

This effort climaxed with a legends race The Curragh last September - exactly a year prior to his passing - that was a significant part of the €2.5 million the legendary jockey helped raise for the organisation.

You can donate to Cancer Trials Ireland here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.