Jessica Harrington upbeat & positive in face of adversity

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.

"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.

"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?"

"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