Racing

Jessica Harrington remaining positive during breast cancer treatment

Horse trainer says diagnosis was ‘never’ going to get the better of her

She was diagnosed in October last year and spoke publicly about her health for the first time earlier this year. Photograph: James Crombie/INPHO
She was diagnosed in October last year and spoke publicly about her health for the first time earlier this year. Photograph: James Crombie/INPHO
Wed Apr 19 2023 - 17:23

Jessica Harrington is remaining positive in the face of adversity as she continues to receive treatment for breast cancer.

The dual-purpose trainer, both a Classic and Cheltenham Festival winner, was diagnosed in October last year and spoke publicly about her health for the first time earlier this year.

Harrington, 76, is currently undergoing chemotherapy but has the bulk of the treatment behind her and is looking ahead to the new Flat season now the side effects are beginning to subside.

“They got the medication to make me feel well right, whereas the three weeks before that I thought I’d died,” she said.

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“This time it’s been absolutely great and I feel great. Last night I went to bed and I was actually physically tired, instead of sick tired and that was fantastic.

“It’s a big fright. It all happened really quickly. I said ‘All right, fine’. I didn’t really think about it. I just got on with it.

“Now I look back at it, when I’ve managed the last treatment on Monday, I will have had 16 goes at chemo. Looking back I think, ‘How did I do that?’ My worst thing has been feeling sick.”

The racing community and the team at Harrington’s Kildare stable have rallied around the trainer, with daughters Emma and Kate stepping up to ensure the yard continues to run smoothly.

“Everyone’s been so kind. It is unbelievable how kind people are,” Harrington said.

“No one really knew until after Christmas. It was the beginning of February when I finally put it out there that I was on the sick list. People have been so kind. Everyone ‘round here has been so kind and are looking after me. It’s been fantastic.

“Kate’s been amazing. She hasn’t taken a day off since she went to Australia before Christmas. She’s taking two weeks off in the second week of May, as soon as she thinks I’m all right.

“Emma and Richie [Galway, Emma’s husband] and all the staff here, they’ve been fantastic. They’ve all co-operated and got on with their jobs and never complained.”

[ Horse trainer Jessica Harrington reveals she is receiving treatment for breast cancer ]

Harrington has had some hospital stays throughout the course of her treatment but has never considered stepping back from the business more permanently during the illness.

She said: “I was in hospital for four days after Christmas and six days in February, then I didn’t know what the hell was going on. I came back and thought ‘Oh, that one looks a bit better. That one looks all right!’

“That’s a great thing, when you aren’t there and then you see a difference in them.”

Harrington’s approach to her diagnosis and treatment has been one of persistent positivity, helped by the solace of her yard and her love of horses.

“I wasn’t going to let it get the better of me. At times, I felt it was but no, never,” she said.

“If you get up in a positive mood in the morning, you’re grand. I’m lucky, I live in a lovely place. I look at these horses every day and when I get up and look at that view towards the mountains, what have I got to complain about?”