Pat Smullen is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a tumour, according to a report on the Racing Post.
The jockey’s illness was found out to be more serious than expected and there has been no indication of when he will return to racing.
The 40-year-old was absent from his rides at Dunkalk on Friday and then he also missed the first day of the turf season on Sunday.
Smullen has been in the hospital for the last couple of days where the doctors have been undergoing tests to find out the exact problem.
Smullen revealed:
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’m very positive about making a full recovery.
The nine-time Irish champion jockey is expected to remain in the hospital for at least the rest of the week as the doctors continue to undergo tests.
It is not yet known whether he will return to racing but one thing for certain is that he will battle through these tough times with the help of his family and fans.
