STORMY weather did not prevent a record crowd of almost 250 people from the world of horseracing attending The Owners Awards in the Killashee House Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare, on Saturday.

Hosted by the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners [AIRO] and The Irish Field newspaper, the blacktie event is one of the most prestigious in the racing calendar and the guest list included plenty of prominent people from racing.

Trainer Jim Bolger was one of the 15 award winners on the night. He revealed to the audience that his Verbal Dexterity was in top form.

“He worked well this [Saturday] morning, scoped clean and the plan is to run in the Racing Post Trophy. He’s the best-looking horse in Ireland at the moment.”

The guest speaker was Sally Rowley-Williams, owner of Special Tiara. She travelled from Florida specifically from the event.

One of the highlights of the evening was provided by the three-man Here For The Craic Syndicate, owners of Melbourne Cup runner-up Heartbreak City. Aidan Sheils, Niall O’Reilly and Charlie Gavigan travelled from New York to pick up the award and shared their infectious enthusiasm for racehorse ownership.

The 15 awards were created by sculptor Paul Ferriter, who also attended. The Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghaill told diners that, in his opinion, the racing industry continues to enjoy broad support from the Oireachtas. Identifying Brexit as the single biggest challenge to the bloodstock market, he said: “Irish bloodstock is as good as the very best and if that commitment remains we will be fine.”

Brian Polly, chairman of the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners, said: “Bringing The Irish Field on board has helped our awards night reach a new level this evening. And thanks to everyone who braved the very bad weather.”

THE WINNERS

Racecourse Merit Award

LISTOWEL RACECOURSE

Racecourse Merit Award

PUNCHESTOWN RACECOURSE

Services to Racing Award

CATHY O’FARRELL (Gowran Park)

Services to Racing Award

GILLIAN CAREY (Fairyhouse)

Value Purchase at Goffs Award

ZHANG YUESHENG (Whitefountainfairy)

Value Purchase at Tattersalls Ireland

LUKE McMAHON (Cilaos Emery)

Claimed Horse Award

DANIEL LYNCH (Not A Bad Oul Day)

Syndicate/Racing Club Award

SUPREME HORSE RACING (Airlie Beach)

Racing Dream Award

HERE FOR THE CRAIC PARTNERSHIP (Heartbreak City)

Leading Flat Owner Award

MICHAEL TABOR, SUE MAGNIER & DERRICK SMITH

Leading National Hunt Owner Award

GIGGINSTOWN HOUSE STUD

Flat Owner-Breeder Award

JIM BOLGER & JOHN CORCORAN (Verbal Dexterity)

National Hunt Owner-Breeder Award

BILLY COOPER (Our Duke)

Champion Flat Horse Award

DERRICK SMITH, SUE MAGNIER & MICHAEL TABOR (Highland Reel)

Champion National Hunt Horse Award

ANN & ALAN POTTS PARTNERSHIP (Sizing John)