Sole Power, trained by Eddie Lynam was crowned
Horse of the Year
at the 12
th
annual Horse Racing Ireland Awards held at Leopardstown Racecourse today. Owned by Sabina Power, Sole Power completed a fantastic Group 1 double during the summer months, winning the Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot for the second consecutive year and the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
Eddie Lynam was also awarded the
Flat Award
for the first time following a memorable year with both Sole Power and Slade Power, who between them won four of the five Group 1 sprints in Britain.
Willie Mullins collected the
National Hunt Award
after a tremendous season where he had 185 domestic winners and was crowned leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival. He also helped to create history at the meeting by saddling Quevega to win the OLBG Mares Hurdle for the sixth consecutive year.
Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of HRI presented the
Contribution to Industry Award
to Mick O'Toole, one of Ireland's leading trainers in the 1970s and the 1980s. Mick enjoyed many big race victories to his credit and together with the late Dessie Hughes, enjoyed considerable success at the top meetings in Ireland and at the Cheltenham Festival.
Tom Hogan won the
Outstanding Achievement Award
, which was open to public vote through the HRI Awards App. Tom's stable star Gordon Lord Byron landed The George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill Racecourse in Australia and recorded a thrilling success in the QIPCO Champions Sprint at Ascot.
Wexford native Jamie Codd received the
Point-To-Point Award
for the second year in a row. Jamie had an exceptional year, winning the Point-To-Point Riders' Title for the first time and also riding his first ever Grade 1 winner when steering Shaneshill to success for Willie Mullins at the Punchestown Festival.
The
Racecourse of the Year Award
went to Leopardstown Racecourse. It was selected by the Racegoers Consultative Forum based upon the best all-round customer experience.
Punchestown Racecourse received the Most Family-Friendly Award in the special category awards, while Galway Racecourse was awarded Best Catering and Leopardstown won Best Information Services and Best Entertainment.
Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of HRI
commented: "The HRI Awards give us a chance to reflect on the successes of the past year and to recognise the achievements of our trainers, jockeys and horses. The list of winners and nominees demonstrates the continuing strength-in-depth of Irish racing and the extraordinary dedication of its participants."
The award winners received bronze trophies, created by sculptor Siobhan Bulfin.