MAUREEN Mullins brought the house to its feet last Friday night when the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners held their annual awards evening in the magnificent surroundings of the recently refurbished Cashel Palace Hotel in Co Tipperary.

Matriarch of the great Irish racing family, Mrs Mullins was accompanied on the night by members of her family, and a beautifully-produced video tribute had the some 200 guests on the night enthralled. Afterwards, she spoke with Jane Mangan, and told of her joy at being an award recipient. She was presented with her trophy by Ballylinch Stud’s John O’Connor.

MV Magnier took to the stage after a second video tribute was shown, this one for the AIRO Hall of Fame inductees, his parents John and Sue Magnier. The couple were unable to attend on the evening.

Racehorse owners, trainers and sponsors were joined at the event by Minister of State Martin Heydon to celebrate the successes of Irish owners in 2022. AIRO chairman David Hyland welcomed the guests before Minister Heydon spoke of Ireland’s global position in the racing and breeding industry, noting the importance of the investment that owners and Government make.

Hewick

The Racing Dream award went to American Grand National winner Hewick, who despite his lowly price tag has taken the world by storm, much to the delight of his owner T J McDonald from Co Kildare. The Magic Lads from Trim in Co Meath were honoured with the Syndicates/Racing Club award for the exploits of Magic Chegaga in Galway during the summer.

Homebreds Kyprios and Homeless Songs were responsible for the Owner/Breeder award going to Moyglare Stud Farm’ Eva-Maria Bucher-Haefner, and Malachy Ryan accepted the award on her behalf. The new Owner Award this year went to Noel and Valerie Moran of Bective Stud, while the champion owners over jumps and on the flat were JP McManus and Sue Magnier, represented by Frank Berry and MV Magnier respectively.

The Irish sales companies were tasked with choosing the winners of their respective Sales Selection award. Goffs chose the Ger Lyons ownership combination of Sean Jones, David Spratt and Lynne Lyons as their winner, while Tattersalls Ireland chose Derby Sale graduate Honeysuckle’s owner Kenny Alexander as theirs. Peter Molony collected the latter award.

Overseas owner

Another new award category to be introduced this year was that for Overseas Owner. This is intended to celebrate owners who choose to have their horses trained in Ireland. The first winner is Cheveley Park Stud, and follows their tremendous successes with National Hunt superstars Allaho, Sir Gerhard and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard, to name but a few of their winners for trainers Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead. Chris Richardson was present to accept the trophy on behalf of Patricia and Richard Thompson.

Horse Racing Ireland’s Vicki McWey was a hugely popular winner on the night. She works closely with owners in the registration department, and was given the Services to the Industry award for her dedication and hard work, ensuring that all owners’ needs are met in a professional manner.

The Sponsors award was also introduced this year, allowing the owners to show their appreciation to sponsors who support the racing industry. Ireland’s largest sponsor is the Irish EBF, and they were deserved winners. Their chairman John O’Connor was on hand to accept the accolade from Leo Powell.

Naas Racecourse

AIRO members were asked to select the winner of the Racecourse award and the overwhelming choice this year was Naas. Owners noted their friendly staff, fantastic atmosphere and exceptional owners’ facilities, great food and viewing areas as just some of the reasons for their selection.

The track’s director David Cox and manager Eamonn McEvoy accepted the award. As a result of this win, Naas is offering all owners free entry with their AIR card to their final flat meeting of the season tomorrow, Sunday November 6th, enhancing their great reputation further.

Sponsors for the evening included Mount Falcon Estate, Darley Ireland, the ITBA,Coolmore Stud, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Goffs, Tattersalls Ireland, Connolly Red Mills, the HRI Ownership Department, Oghill House Stud, The Irish Field, Ballylinch Stud and Weatherbys Ireland. Racing TV assisted in the selection process for some of the award winners, and man of words Richard Pugh was master of ceremonies.

The generosity of the attendees was reflected in the collection for the Injured Jockeys Fund. Some €3,400 was raised for this worthy cause and will be presented to the IJF after the second race at Naas on Sunday.

Award winners were presented with charcoal portraits of their horses by artist Jason O’Ceannobhain, while the people award winners were presented with bespoke pieces by sculptor Linda Hoyle.

AIRO’s awards committee, chaired by Caren Walsh with fellow directors Richie Galway, Sandra Fox and manager Regina Byrne, were responsible for putting together a great evening of celebration.