National Hunt Awards Presented In Adare

-    Special Achievement Award for connections of “Silver Birch”
-    Three Awards for Carberry Family
-    Distinguished Services Award for Kerry’s Ivo O’Sullivan
-    John Carr’s Staff Take Stable Award

Another memorable year for Irish National Hunt racing was brought to a close with the presentation of the annual Irish National Hunt Awards which were presented in Adare, Co Limerick, last night, Monday 7 May, 2007.  A total of 13 awards were presented with the top award, the Special Achievement Award going to the connections of Aintree Grand National winner Silver Birch.

Also amongst the winners were Nina and Philip Carberry.  Nina took two awards as Leading Lady Rider and Leading National Hunt Qualified Rider while brother Philip received the National Hunt Personality of the Year Award.  Ruby Walsh took the Leading Jockey Award following a great season where he rode 198  winners in Ireland and the UK.  The Distinguished Services Award went to Kerry’s Ivo O’Sullivan who has served Irish National Hunt racing in many different capacities over a long and distinguished career.    (A full list of award winners is appended to this release.)

Speaking at the Awards dinner Mr John Moloney, Senior Steward of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee said that it had been another great year for Irish National Hunt racing.  He said that he believed that the sport was going through a golden era and that this was reflected in growing attendances and an even greater interest in the sport both in Ireland and the UK.  

In his speech he paid particular tribute to the winners of the Special Achievement Award.  He said that the achievements of Brian Walsh, Gordon Elliott and Robbie Power in guiding Silver Birch to victory in the Grand National at Aintree had been remarkable.  He also noted that this was the fourth Irish victory in the past five years in the event.

He also spoke about Ruby Walsh’s incredible season, noting in particular his Gold Cup win on Kauto Star at Cheltenham.  In speaking of Cheltenham he also mentioned the winning exploits of brother and sister Philip and Nina Carberry both of whom featured in the awards.

He concluded his remarks by noting the continuing work being undertaken by the stewards of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee in raising safety standards throughout the sport in Ireland.  He also thanked the Government for their continuing support which he said had also contributed to the new golden era for the sport.

THE FULL LIST OF 2006/2007  AWARD WINNERS ARE AS FOLLOWS: