Mullins scoops top trainer gong

Co Carlow handler Willie Mullins stole the show at the annual Irish Horse Racing Awards.

Ireland’s champion jumps trainer took the National Hunt award for the third year running.

Hurricane Fly, whom he saddled to win a trio of Champion Hurdles at Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown, was also named horse of the year.

Top female jump jockey Nina Carberry was handed the outstanding achievement award.

Her victory in the Irish Grand National on Organisedconfusion was only the second victory for a woman rider in the prestigious chase.

Champion apprentice Joseph O’Brien took home the Flat Award after a superb season with 57 winners which included the Irish 2000 Guineas and the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Dermot Weld was honoured with the contribution to the industry award for his role in the internationalisation of Irish racing.

The master of Rosewell House stables had another successful year, saddling his 3,500th winner in Tipperary in April, and having amassed 17 winners at the Galway Festival.