SHISHKIN won his breeders, the Bennetts, a fourth ITBA Award last weekend when he was named top Irish-bred chaser of 2023.

The Bennetts are based in Britain and the trophy was collected by their friend, Donal White.

John B. O’Connor of Ballykelly Stud in Cashel was on hand to collect the Hurdler of the Year award for Cheltenham hero Marine Nationale.

John, known for his charity work in aid of Ukraine, was accompanied at the event by John Fitzell, “the heartbeat of the farm” despite living with MS for the past 20 years.

Also from Cashel are Dan and Elaine Breen, breeders of Marie’s Rock, National Hunt Racemare of the Year.

Who bred two winners at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival? It’s a trick question but the answer is Brian Gleeson who brought his son John with him on stage to collect the Young National Hunt Horse Award for A Dream To Share.

Ana O’Brien, daughter of Aidan and Annemarie, collected the Two-Year-Old Filly Award for Porta Fortuna, the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner trained by Ana’s brother Donnacha and bred by Whisperview Trading.

Aidan O’Brien trained last year’s best Irish-bred two-year-old colt in the shape of Henry Longfellow, and this award was collected by David O’Loughlin on behalf of Coolmore.

Mawj, the Godolphin-owned filly who won the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, won a competitive heat for the Three-Year-Old Filly Award. Kildangan Stud’s Jimmy Hyland represented Godolphin on stage.

Winner of two Derbys, the Irish Champion Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Turf, Auguste Rodin was a clear winner of the Three-Year-Old Colt Award. Mark Byrne of Coolmore Stud picked up this award.

Another middle-distance star of 2023 was Mostahdaf, so impressive at Royal Ascot and York. The son of Frankel won the Best Older Horse Award for his breeders, Shadwell, who were represented by Stephen Collins.

There was also a special award for Dr Ursula Fogarty, who recently stepped down from her role as veterinary pathologist at the Irish Equine Centre.