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Stellar night at ITBA Awards 2024

ITBA National Breeding & Racing Awards 2024

Scroll below to the full recording of the Awards Ceremony.

ITBA was delighted to host its annual National Breeding & Racing Awards at The Heritage, Co Laois on Saturday 25th January 2025.

The achievements of Irish breeders and Irish-bred horses were celebrated in style at the glittering black-tie event. Minister Martin Heydon, along with Nina Carberry MP 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 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 Gr2 winner BAY CITY ROLLER, whose award was presented by Maurice Moloney of Coolmore Stud. Honouring the Irish expats, Grovendale Sale’s James Keogh was recipient of the Wild Geese Award, presented by fellow American Tony Lacy of Keeneland. One of racings greats, Classic winning jockey and thirteen-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 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 Gr1 winner BALLYBURN, accepted the award for Hurdler of the Year and was presented by Simon Kerins of Tattersalls Ireland. Mrs Catherine Cashman of Rathbarry Stud presented the Older Horse Award to James and Henrietta Egan who represented breeders Corduff Stud and TJ Rooney for the accolades of multiple international Gr1 winner ROMANTIC WARRIOR. 2YO 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 Joint 2YO Colt of the Year EXPANDED, as well as 3YO Filly of the Year PORTA FORTUNA. Henry Beeby of Goffs presented the 3YO Male of the Year Award to Princess Zahra of HH The Aga Khan Studs for the exploits of CALANDAGAN.

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 nights 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 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

Watch the full Awards Ceremony below.

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