The ITBA was delighted to host its annual National Breeding & Racing Awards at The Heritage, Co Laois on Saturday, January 25.
The achievements of Irish breeders and Irish-bred horses were celebrated in style at the glittering black-tie event. 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.
We congratulate all 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.
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 fellow American Tony Lacy of Keeneland.
One of racing’s greats, 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 young breeders Barry Kennedy and Anna Murphy of Rigsdale Stud, breeders of Maria Branwell and Lexington Belle. Also honoured 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 Grade 1 winner Ballyburn, accepted the award for Hurdler of the Year, 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 Group/Grade 1 winner Romantic Warrior.
Two-year-old Filly of the Year was the unbeaten Lake Victoria, bred by Coolmore and presented by Ludovico Cornuel of Arqana. Ana O’Brien of Whisperview Trading accepted the award for Joint Two-year-old Colt of the Year Expanded, as well as Three-year-old Filly of the Year Porta Fortuna. Henry Beeby of Goffs presented the Three-year-old Male of the Year Award to Princess Zahra of HH The Aga Khan Studs for the exploits of Calandagan.
Roll of Honour
Special Presentation 2024 – Brenda Shortt
National Hunt Race Mare Award 2024 – Limerick Lace, Breeder: Mrs Noreen McManus
Novice Chaser of the Year Award 2024 – Corbett’s Cross, Breeder: Ger Murphy
Hurdler of the Year Award 2024 – Ballyburn, Breeder: The Beeches Stud Ltd
Chaser of the Year Award 2024 – Hewick, Breeder: William Quinn
Small Breeder Award 2024 – John Connaughton
Next Generation Award 2024 – Barry Kennedy and Anna Murphy
Older Horse Award 2024 – Romantic Warrior, Breeder: Corduff Stud and TJ Rooney
2 Year Old Filly of the Year Award 2024 – Lake Victoria, Breeder: Coolmore Stud
Joint 2 Year Old Colts of the Year Award 2024 – The Lion In Winter, Breeder: Sunderland Holding Inc, AND Expanded, Breeder: Whisperview Trading Ltd
3 Year Old Filly of the Year Award 2024 – Porta Fortuna, Breeder: Whisperview Trading Ltd
3 Year Old Male of the Year Award 2024 – Calandagan, Breeder: Haras De Son Altesse L’Aga Khan Scea
Wild Geese Award 2024 – James Keogh
Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 – Michael Kinane
Hall of Fame 2024 – Eimear Mulhern
