Offaly jockey Pat Smullen pictured back in the saddle amid health battle

There has been a widespread outpuring of delight this morning as a photograph emerged on social media of Offaly jockey Pat Smullen back in the saddle.

Pat was diagnosed with a tumour on his pancreas earlier this year and is taking an indefinite break from race riding, but he was back on the gallops this morning with the likes of friend and weighing room colleague Leigh Roche.

Wasn’t expecting this when I woke up this morning! Can’t keep a good man down@patjsmullen @AtTheRaces @HRI_Racing @Irish_Jockeys pic.twitter.com/TyLOlBa3Xy

— Leigh Roche (@LeighRoche1992) June 22, 2018

Taking to Twitter, Leigh Roche, who works with trainer Dermot Weld, said, "Wasn’t expecting this when I woke up this morning! Can’t keep a good man down."

The post was accompanied by a picture of a smiling Pat Smullen on a horse. The photograph sparked an outpouring of well wishes for the Rhode man.

Forget the runners, forget the winners, this has made my week. Fabulous pic. ☘☘

— Paul Smith (@PaulSmith0094) June 22, 2018

Amazing! A great big smile, that's one of the best medicines.

— Lynne Lyons (@Lynne_Lyons) June 22, 2018

Brilliant to see it, @patjsmullen - next thing you’ll be togging out for the footballers in O’Connor Park on Sunday! #TheFaithful

— Mark Boylan (@MarkBoylanMusic) June 22, 2018

This pic of @patsmullen smiling happily riding out alongside his great friend @declanmcdonogh is undoubtedly the best sight of the year. https://t.co/sGkZODMlz0

— Jonathan Powell (@PowellJfpracing) June 22, 2018