John Kidd of Ballyash Stud in Banbridge was honoured with a special award by the Northern Region of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association on Thursday evening. At the Association’s annual awards dinner in the Beechlawn House Hotel, Dunmurry, Belfast, Kidd was presented with the Denis Stothers Award for services to the thoroughbred and racing industry. Kidd, who turns 65 next month, is a stalwart of the northern industry and was a board member on the Irish Horseracing Authority.

ITBA chairman Derek Iceton informed the gathering that he expected good news shortly from the Republic’s Revenue Commissioners on the VAT issue.

AWARD WINNERS

Coolmore Stud Two-Year-Old: WASHAAR (by Kodiac ex Dabtiya)

Bred by Gerard Corry & Christian Healy

Goffs DBS Three-Year-Old: HASOPOP (by Haatef ex Convenience)

Bred by Brian Kennedy

Kildangan Stud Older Horse: FARMLEIGH HOUSE (by Medecis ex Tabessa)

Bred by Edna Fitzsimons

ITM Overseas Horse: PURE CHAMPION (by Footstepsinthesand ex Castara Beach)

Bred by Dr Dean Harron

Dennison Commercials PTP/Cheltenham Winner: TAMMY’S HILL (by Tamayaz ex Hillside Lass)

Bred by Patrick J. Smyth

Weatherbys Ireland Leading NH Mare/Leading Owner-Breeder: GLENS MELODY (by King’s Theatre ex Glens Music)

Bred by Fiona McStay

ITBA (NR) Cheltenham Winner: BALLYNAGOUR (by Shantou ex Simply Deep)

Bred by Graham Morrow

ITBA (NR) Grade 1 Winner: BENEFFICIENT (by Beneficial ex Supreme Breda)

Bred by Peter Tomany (accepted by Sean Collins)

ITBA (NR) Grade 1 Winner: BOBS WORTH (by Bob Back ex Fashionista)

Bred by Lois Eadie

Tattersalls Ireland Leading NH Winner: THE NEW ONE (by King’s Theatre ex Thurine)

Bred by Ronnie Brown & Ballylinch Stud

ITBA Northern Region Trainers’ Award: BRIAN HAMILTON

The Irish Field Leading PTP Handler: DAVID CHRISTIE

Denis Stothers Award for services to the breeding and racing industry: JOHN KIDD