Irish flat jockey Pat Smullen is set to take a break from the sport in order to concentrate on making a complete recovery following his tumour diagnose.
Smullen is a nine-time Irish flat racing Champion Jockey and has forged an exceptionally successful relationship with trainer Dermot Weld in recent years. He announced his intention to take a break and focus on his recovery in a statement earlier today.
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.
The racing world has united to wish Smullen a speed recovery.
9x Irish champion flat jockey Pat Smullen "won't be riding for foreseeable future" after tests found tumour; best wishes from all
— Cornelius Lysaght (@CorneliusRacing) March 28, 2018
Wishing Pat Smullen the speediest of recoveries.
— Steve Mullington (@mulldog) March 28, 2018
Pat Smullen is a thorough gentleman but what got him where is as a rider is steel, immense toughness. He didn't cruise through the ranks, he clawed his way to the top. Those characteristics will stand to him now in his biggest battle.
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) March 28, 2018
