Emotional tributes at Pat Smullen’s ‘final farewell’ at The Curragh

Pat Smullen was remembered at The Curragh with moving tributes to the legendary rider following his death at age 43.

Horse racing chiefs presented a bouquet of flowers to the late jockey’s wife, Francis, and their children Hannah, Sarah, and Paddy at the famous Co Kildare racecourse, where Smullen recorded many victories over the years.

Horse Racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh and Curragh President Padraig McManus were on hand to pay their respects to the decorated rider who passed away on Tuesday after a battle with cancer.

Smullen’s fundraising event at the venue turned out to be a huge success, part of his pancreatic cancer trials charity which raised more than 2.5 million euros.

AP McCoy completed his apprenticeship around the same time as Smullen and was among those who paid him heartfelt tribute.

He told Sky Sports: “He was a wonderful man. It is very difficult, it is very difficult for the family. It is a tragic moment, it is heartbreaking.”

“We completed our apprenticeships at a similar time. His was much more successful than mine, so I had known him for a long time.

“By paying him a compliment as a rider, he replaced the best rider I’ve ever seen in Mick Kinane (at Dermot Weld’s) and you wouldn’t have known it. That’s how good Pat Smullen was. You can try. Think of races that maybe he should have won, there aren’t any none “.

A tweet from the official account of The Curragh Racecourse read: “One last goodbye from The Curragh Racecourse to Pat Smullen this afternoon. Sincere condolences to Frances, Hannah, Paddy & Sarah and all their family and friends. Sleep well Pat. You we will miss so much. “