Nine-time Irish champion jockey Pat Smullen has been diagnosed with a tumour, and will thus be out of the saddle “for the foreseeable future.”
“Most people will have been aware that I have been in hospital in recent days undergoing tests,” the 40-year-old jockey said. “I was showing some of the symptoms associated with a gallstone problem but it was discovered that the problem was more serious. A tumour was discovered and consequently I won't be riding for the foreseeable future. It's a new challenge for me and it's one I am fully focused on overcoming. I've got tremendous support from family and friends, both within racing and outside of racing, and I'm very positive about making a full recovery.”
Smullen, regular rider to trainer Dermot Weld, has recorded big race wins in recent years for that yard on horses like the dual Derby winner Harzand (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Fascinating Rock (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). He won group races last year on Aga Khan fillies Shamreen (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Eziyra (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).
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