Nine times Irish Champion Jockey, Pat Smullen, who lost his brave battle with cancer last month is to be remembered at Dundalk Stadium with the inaugural running of the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Pat Smullen Mercury Stakes on Friday, 16 October.
Backing of the €50,000 five furlongs event by the UAE’s leading distributor of horse feeds and supplements, is a reflection of Smullen’s long association with the brand and long-standing friendship with Al Basti Equiworld founder, Malih Al Basti.
He said, “Pat was a terrific horseman and a great friend. I hope this race will provide all those who knew him or admired his achievements from afar with an opportunity to reflect on a true racing legend.”
Smullen’s best season came in 2016 when 129 wins sealed his ninth championship title contributing to a career total of 1,892 winners in the UK and Ireland, plus a host of international successes.
Despite having lit up some of the world’s greatest racing stages, Dundalk Stadium is one of the venues where Smullen will be most fondly remembered.
Chief Executive Jim Martin said, “We are delighted that Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai has chosen to honour Pat with a race at Dundalk Stadium where he rode his first winner, Vicosa, for trainer Tom Lacy in June 1993, and his last aboard Anthony McCann’s Togoville in March, 2018. We have enjoyed some great moments with Pat in between and look forward to celebrating his outstanding career with this prestigious event later this month.”
