Link to watch back the Awards evening is below ↓↓↓
ITBA was delighted to host its annual National Breeding & Racing Awards at The Heritage, Co Laois on Sunday 25th February 2024.
Minister Pippa Hackett was guest of honour and on hand to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Irish breeders and Irish bred horses both Flat and National Hunt during 2023. The ITBA congratulates all award recipients and a special mention goes to both Dermot Cantillon and Meta Osborne who were inducted into its Hall of Fame. Other most deserving and well received awards were Leo Powell who was recognised for his Contribution to the Industry, William Austin who was the recipient of Smaller Breeder Award, and David Bowe recipient of the Wild Geese Award. The Next Generation Award was presented to Amy Marnane.
In excess of 330 people were in attendance at The Heritage Killenard, located in Co. Laois. Many figures of the Irish and international Bloodstock Industry turned out in their best black-tie for an enjoyable night to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Irish breeders and Irish bred horses. Ana O’Brien accepted the award for 2YO Filly of the Year Porta Fortuna, on behalf of breeder Whisperview Trading Ltd, and was presented by Declan Landy of Declan Landy Fencing. Christy Grassick of Coolmore was on hand to present the Wild Geese Award to David Bowe of Littleton Stud. Coolmore also accepted the award for 2YO Colt of the Year Henry Longfellow and 3YO Colt of the Year Auguste Rogin. Each were presented by Eamon Moloney, Nominations Manager with Darley’s Kildangan Stud and Cormac Breathnach, Director of Sales with Keeneland respectively. Eoin Fives of Ballylinch Stud was on hand to present the Small Breeder Award to Tipperary native William Austin. This year the industry also recognised the lifelong contribution of Leo Powell, presented by HRI CEO Suzanne Eade.
Once again much of the International Bloodstock Industry logged on to watch the live streaming of the Award Ceremony.
ITBA Chairman Cathy Grassick commented: ‘’ We are delighted to have Minister Pippa Hackett join us again for this year’s Awards and we thank her and her 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 2023. 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.
It is important that we continue to acknowledge the Next Generation award as we are committed to investing in the future industry leaders and provide them with every opportunity to succeed at the highest level. Congratulations to all award winners and many thanks to our sponsors for their continued support’’
Watch back the Awards evening below
ITBA National Breeding & Racing Awards 2023 Winners
Chaser of the Year Award 2023 – Shishkin, Breeder: CJ & EB Bennett
Hurdler of the Year Award 2023 – Marine Nationale, Breeder: JB Bloodstock
National Hunt Race Mare Award 2023 – Marie’s Rock, Breeder: Dan Breen
Young National Hunt Horse Award 2023 – A Dream To Share, Breeder: Brucetown Farms
Small Breeder Award 2023 – William Austin
2 Year Old Filly of the Year Award 2023 – Porta Fortuna, Breeder: Whisperview Trading Ltd
2 Year Old Colt of the Year Award 2023 – Henry Longfellow, Breeder: Coolmore
3 Year Old Filly of the Year Award 2023 – Mawj, Breeder: Godolphin
3 Year Old Colt of the Year Award 2023 – Auguste Rodin, Breeder: Coolmore
Older Horse Award 2023 – Mostahdaf, Breeder: Shadwell Estate
Next Generation Award 2023 – Amy Marnane
Wild Geese Award 2023 – David Bowe
Contribution to the Industry 2023 – Leo Powell
Hall of Fame 2023 – Dermot Cantillon and Meta Osborne