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A night of stars
In the first of a regular column for the magazine, the ITBA reports on its glittering awards evening celebrating the success of the Irish bloodstock industry
THE ACHIEVEMENTS of Irish breeders and Irish-bred horses were celebrated in style at the glittering black-tie event.
The newly appointed Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, along with Nina Carberry MEP and Senator Fiona O’Loughlin were guests of honour on the night which welcomed over 360 attendees.
The event brought together prominent figures from the Irish and international bloodstock industry to celebrate the outstanding success of our winners in both Flat and National Hunt during 2024.
ITBA congratulates all the award recipients and thanks our generous sponsors for their continued support.
Recognised for her industry achievements and contributions Eimear Mulhern was inducted into the ITBA Hall of Fame, presented by ITBA Chairman Cathy Grassick and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.
The Westmeath native John Connaughton was the well-deserved recipient of the Small Breeder Award thanks to the exploits of Group 2 winner Bay City Roller, whose award was presented by Maurice Moloney of Coolmore Stud.
Honouring the Irish expats James Keogh of Grovendale Sales was recipient of the Wild Geese Award, presented by Tony Lacy of Keeneland.
One of racings greats, the Classic-winning jockey and 13-time Irish champion jockey Michael Kinane, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Suzanne Eade of Horse Racing Ireland.
This year’s Next Generation Award was presented by Ballylinch Stud’s John O’Connor to the young breeders Barry Kennedy and Anna Murphy of Rigsdale Stud, breeders of Maria Branwell and Lexington Belle. Also notable on the night was Brenda Shortt, who received a Special Presentation for her ongoing contribution to the industry over the last 36 years, presented by Joe Hernon.
Robert McCarthy of The Beeches Stud, breeder of multiple Group 1 winner Ballyburn, accepted the award for Hurdler of the Year which was presented by Simon Kerins of Tattersalls Ireland.
Mrs Catherine Cashman of Rathbarry Stud presented the Older Horse Award to Henrietta Egan, who represented breeders Corduff Stud and TJ Rooney for the accolades of multiple international top level winner Romantic Warrior. The two-year-old Filly of the Year was awarded to unbeaten Lake Victoria, bred by Coolmore and presented by Ludovico Cornuel of Arqana.
Ana O’Brien of Whisperview Trading accepted the award for Expanded, the joint two-year-old colt of the year, as well as threeyear-old filly of the year, Porta Fortuna.
The three-year-old Male of the Year Award went to Calandagan, and Princess Zahra of HH The Aga Khan Studs picked up the award from Henry Beeby of Goffs.
Once again much of the international bloodstock industry logged on to watch the live streaming of the award ceremony.
ITBA Chairman Cathy Grassick, who opened the night’s proceedings, commented: “We are delighted to have Minister Martin Heydon, Nina Carberry MP and Senator Fiona O’Loughlin join us for this year’s awards and we thank them and their government colleagues for their continued support.
“We are honoured tonight to recognise the outstanding achievement of Irish-bred horses, both Flat and National Hunt during 2024. This is our opportunity to celebrate their outstanding successes in a year which Irish thoroughbred talent was on display to a global audience once more.
“It is also an opportunity to acknowledge those who have made a lifelong contribution to Irish thoroughbred breeding and our people awards are well deserved and a testament to the wonderful people we have working in our industry. ’’
ITBA National Breeding & Racing Awards 2024 WINNERS
Special Presentation
Brenda Shortt
National Hunt Race Mare
Limerick Lace, Breeder: Mrs Noreen McManus
Novice Chaser of the Year
Corbett’s Cross, Breeder: Ger Murphy
Hurdler of the Year
Ballyburn, Breeder: The Beeches Stud Ltd
Chaser of the Year
Hewick, Breeder: William Quinn
Small Breeder
John Connaughton
Next Generation
Barry Kennedy and Anna Murphy
Older Horse
Romantic Warrior, Breeder: Corduff Stud and TJ Rooney
Two-Year-Old Filly of the Year
Lake Victoria, Breeder: Coolmore Stud
Joint Two-Year-Old Colts of the Year
The Lion In Winter, Breeder: Sunderland Holding Inc
Expanded, Breeder: Whisperview Trading Ltd
Three-Year-Old Filly of the Year
Porta Fortuna, Breeder: Whisperview Trading
Three-Year-Old Male of the Year
Calandagan, Breeder: Haras De Son Altesse
L’Aga Khan Scea
Wild Geese Award
James Keogh
Lifetime Achievement Award
Michael Kinane
Hall of Fame 2024
Eimear Mulhern
