NH Awards a family affair

IT was a family affair at the Irish National Hunt Racing Awards night in Adare on Sunday, as two members of the Walsh, Mullins and Carberry clans were amongst the 12 winners honoured in front of more than 200 guests.

Irish Examiner columnist, Ruby Walsh took the leading rider award for the sixth year in succession and the eighth time in 11 years. His remarkable ability is evidenced by the fact that he was champion jockey in Ireland, while also being the second highest prize money winner in the UK.

Ruby’s sister, Katie was presented with a special recognition award for an unforgettable season, the highlight of which was booting two winners up Cheltenham’s famous hill at the March festival.

Willie Mullins has taken training over obstacles to new levels in Ireland and he took all the awards available to him, being champion and leading trainer, as well as the leading trainer of mares.

His son, Patrick was leading qualified rider for the third year on the trot, benefiting from the artillery emanating from Closutton. Nina Carberry pushed him all the way in that battle this year and was named leading lady rider for the fifth year in succession. This brought her tally of awards to seven, as Carberry was also leading amateur for two years.

Her mother, Pamela, received the loudest cheer of the night when present with the National Hunt Special Award, for her pivotal role in the successful careers of her husband Tommy and offspring, Paul, Philip, Nina and Thomas.

Other winners included Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown Stud (champion owner), Paddy Woods (contribution ot the industry) and Padge Berry (point to point). Tommy Woods from the Paul Nolan yard received the Stable Staff Award.