Pat Smullen is facing a long spell on the sidelines after medical tests carried out in recent days on the nine-time Irish champion jockey revealed his illness is more serious than first thought. Smullen, 40, missed his rides at Dundalk on Friday and on the opening day of the turf season at Naas on Sunday. In a statement issued to the Racing Post on Wednesday, Smullen said: "Most people will have been aware that I have been in hospital in recent days undergoing tests. "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 is undergoing further tests and treatment and expects to be home from hospital within the next couple of weeks. A fine jockey and by all accounts a true gentleman. Fingers crossed for a speedy and full recovery!
Very sad to hear that but as our very own Mick has shown, these things can be beaten. Best of luck to him
Balls of steel them jockeys, they'll come in handy here. Best wishes to the man and hope he has a speedy and uncomplicated recovery.
I had the privilege of meeting Pat a few years ago. A fine jockey and a very nice man. Get well soon.
