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16 Sep 2020

Remembering Pat Smullen

Harzand

Racing was shocked on Tuesday by the news that legendary jockey Pat Smullen had passed away at the age of just 43. Pat was a hugely admired figure in the sport, not only for his exploits on the track, but also for his remarkable charity fundraising efforts off it.

His talent as a jockey saw him win some of the most prestigious races in the sport, including some of the biggest prizes in Britain. We look back at some of his finest moments.

Fascinating Rock – 2015 QIPCO Champion Stakes, Ascot

Pat Smullen teamed up with long term ally Dermot Weld to cause an upset on Britain’s richest raceday. Fascinating Rock showing himself to be truly top class by lowering the colours of his highly-touted rivals Jack Hobbs and Found in the QIPCO Champion Stakes.

Harzand – 2006 Derby, Epsom

Another huge win for the Pat Smullen/Dermot Weld team – this time in the famous Aga Khan silks on Derby Day. In a post-retirement interview Pat Said, “To win the Derby is the defining moment for a rider. I appreciated every minute of it.”

Refuse To Bend – 2003 2000 Guineas, Newmarket

Refuse To Bend gave Pat his first British Classic winner on the Rowley Mile back in 2003, in the colours of Moyglare Stud whom the rider enjoyed such a fruitful association with.

Right Of Passage – 2010 Ascot Gold Cup, Ascot

Ever modest, Pat heaped praise on trainer Dermot Weld after winning the coveted Ascot Gold Cup in 2010. The horse would also win the QIPCO Long Distance Cup on Champions Day in 2012 – Pat’s first win at Ascot’s October showpiece.

Free Eagle – 2015 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, Ascot

Quite simply a brilliant ride – Pat showed tremendous strength and determination to hold off a strong finish from well-fancied The Grey Gatsby.