HRI award nominees announced
This is the third year of these awards which are voted on by the Irish Racing media as a recognition of excellence in the sport of horse racing each year.
2005 was Irish horse racing's year, delivering success after success in many of the top contests at home and abroad. Irish horses, jockeys and trainers took on, and beat, the world's best - enjoying nine winners at Cheltenham, eight winners at Aintree, four winners at Royal Ascot at York, victories in the King George VI Chase, the English Grand National, the Betfred Gold Cup, the Totesport Trophy Hurdle, the Arlington Million, the English 1000 and 2000 Guineas, the English St Leger, the Coral Eclipse Stakes, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and the Nassau Stakes.
The list of nominees for the awards are as follows:
* Horse Of The Year - Azamour, Alexander Goldrun, Oratorio, Hardy Eustace, Kicking King, Moscow Flyer.
* Outstanding Achievement - Martin Brassil, Nina Carberry, Frances Crowley, Dessie Hughes, Willie Mullins, Dermot Weld.
* National Hunt - Barry Geraghty, Jessica Harrington, Noel Meade, Tom Taaffe, Ruby Walsh.
* Flat - Kieren Fallon, Michael Halford, Michael Kinane, Aidan O'Brien.
* Point-To-Point - Clare MacMahon, Derek O'Connor, Damien Murphy, Colman Sweeney.
A special category, which will be announced on the day of the awards is the annual ‘Contribution to the Industry’ award.
According to Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, 2005 was a remarkable year for Irish racing and he said that to be nominated for an Irish Horse Racing Award is a high honour as they recognise the wealth of excellence and talent in the horse racing industry in Ireland.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Weston Hotel in Dublin on Monday, December 12.
