[ad_1]
Pat Smullen, a nine-time Irish champion, has died at the age of 43.
Smullen announced his retirement from racing in May 2019 after completing treatment for pancreatic cancer and won widespread praise for his stoic attitude and humility in the face of the disease.
Won the Derby at Epsom in 2016 in Harzand, coached by Dermot Weld.
Smullen also won the Irish Derby with Gray Swallow in 2004 and Harzand in 2016.
During his career, he also won the Irish 1,000 Guineas twice (Nightime and Bethrah), the Irish Oaks aboard Covert Love, and the Irish St Leger four years in a row with Vinnie Roe.
In addition to Harzand’s triumph at Epsom, his main victories for Weld in Great Britain included the 2,000 Guineas at Refuse To Bend, the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot with Rite Of Passage and the Champion Stakes at Fascinating Rock.
Smullen’s death was announced exactly one year after a legend race he organized, won by AP McCoy, helped raise more than 2.5 million euros (£ 2.3 million) for cancer research and trials of pancreas.
“Everyone has been very supportive of the amazing man that is Pat Smullen, a special person and a great friend to all of us,” McCoy said after the victory at Curragh.
The horsemen paid tribute after learning of his death.
“Pat Smullen was the best professional,” Ross Coakley said.
“Unpretentious, competitive and determined, he set the bar for all passing riders. Feel privileged to have had the opportunity to have shared the weigh-in room with him. Thoughts and prayers go out to his #RIPPat #PJS family.”
Smullen leaves behind his wife, Frances, and their three children Hannah, Paddy and Sarah.
Horse Racing Ireland said Smullen, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2018, died at St Vincent Hospital in Dublin on Tuesday night.
His initial treatment had been positive, but he relapsed and was forced to abandon his plans to participate in the charity run a year ago.
HRI CEO Brian Kavanagh said: “Pat Smullen was one of the brightest stars in Irish racing, a nine-time champion, but his accomplishments in the saddle pale in comparison to his qualities. An inspiration to all of us, his legacy is great. “
A statement from the British Horse Racing Authority said his death was “devastating” news.
“He will always be remembered as one of the greats, not just at home in Ireland, but here in Britain and across the racing world,” he said.
Irish President Michael D. Higgins expressed “deep sadness”, saying that the jockey’s “remarkable performances at home and abroad brought joy to many.”
