Top awards for Russell and Carberry
Over 200 guests attended the awards dinner organised by the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee at Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Co Meath.
One of the biggest cheers of the evening was for Russell, who captured the jockeys’ championship having been runner-up on five occasions.
Among the highlights of what was a special year for him were the wins at both Cheltenham and Punchestown with Sir Des Champs, in the process installing the horse as favourite for next year’s Gold Cup.
Nina Carberry was the Leading Lady Rider for the eighth year in succession – making it ten National Hunt Awards in all as she had previously won two as leading amateur rider titles.
Jockeys were very much to the fore of this year’s awards with Barry Geraghty receiving the National Hunt Special Award. Geraghty, who has built up a remarkable partnership with trainer Nicky Henderson had an exceptional year which included him being crowned Leading Rider at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. His wins at both festivals on Sprinter Sacre were noted in the citation.
JP McManus was presented with the Contribution to the Industry award for his outstanding contributions to Irish National Hunt racing over many years. The Limerick man also received the Leading Owner award.
The Special Recognition award went to Tramore Racecourse while the Special Achievement award went to the connections of Lion Na Bearnai, winner of the Irish Grand National.
The Mullins family made it five doubles in a row with Willie Mullins taking two awards for his training exploits and his son, Patrick, taking the Leading National Hunt Qualified Rider award for the fifth year in succession.
Other awards went to Mrs Frankie Ward (Point to Point); Peter Casey’s yard (Stable Staff) and Paddy Mangan (Leading Claiming Professional).
