ITBA Western Region Annual Breeding and Racing Awards were back in their well-established spot at the Killanin Stand on Galway Plate day, to celebrate the achievements of horses and breeders in the west of Ireland. The event is a highlight of the ITBA calendar and saw close to 300 people in attendance, enjoying a scrumptious, four-course meal, served up by Lydon House Catering.

The Contribution to the Industry Award went to Claregalway equine veterinary surgeon Philip McManus. Originally from Co Cavan, Philip came to Galway in 1993 to fill a three-month locum post. Thirty years later, he is still in Galway, married to Gerri and they have four children - Eimear, John, Martin and Claire. Philip became a partner in Glenina Veterinary Group and soon established a strong reputation as one of the top clinics in Galway, serving a vast area. Every evening Philip had an equine clinic working from his home in Claregalway. In 2006, he built a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital at Rockmount.

Widely respected as one of the elite equine veterinary surgeons in the country, Philip is regarded as one of the most dedicated, hard-working people in the business. His knowledge of horses, animals and life experience is exceptional. He can be found in the surgery at 2am, answering calls and organising work for a 5am start! Stories of Philip braving all types of weather in order to attend his calls are common and breeders in the west of Ireland are forever indebted to him for his exceptional veterinary service and friendship.

Gerry Murphy from Ballinasloe won the Small Breeder Award. A well-known breeder of sport horses and Connemaras, Gerry has also enjoyed success in the thoroughbred sector through his mare Annagh Hill Lady, who produced Grade 2 Johnstown Novice Hurdle winner Corbetts Cross. Sean Murphy, ITBA western region chair, said: “It is great to be back at Galway this year to celebrate the success of western breeders. We are delighted to be able to tie our awards day to one of the best racing festivals in the world and we thank Galway Racecourse and Lydon House Catering for facilitating us year-on-year.

“I would like to thank our sponsors Coolmore Stud, Godolphin Ireland, Goffs, Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurance, Tattersalls Ireland, The Irish Field and Weatherbys for their continued support, without which days like this would not be possible. The awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase our great industry and today we celebrate the people and horses behind it.

“Also a huge thanks to the Western Region committee of Carol Burke, Troy Cullen, Ignatius Geraghty, Sean Hoare, Hugh Ryan, Ita Sheridan and Cassie Tully, who give their time for the betterment of breeders in the west.”

Style was also rewarded on the day with the Best Dressed Filly and Colt Awards. Judges Brian Purcell (BP Communications) and local milliner and breeder Brid O’Driscoll chose Dillon Kenny, Noreen Kindregan and Laura Jayne Halton as their winners.

Award winners