THE second floor of the Killanin Stand at Ballybrit was full to capacity on Galway Plate day for the annual Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Western Region Breeding and Racing Awards.

Given that the west of Ireland is not overpopulated with thoroughbred breeders, it’s impressive that this event is by far the biggest of the ITBA’s regional awards ceremonies.

A total of eight awards were presented before racing and the biggest reception of the afternoon was accorded to Ita and Brendan Sheridan, who consign foals to the Tattersalls November NH Sale from their Sheridan House Stables near Athenry.

They were presented with a Contribution to the Industry Award in recognition of the service they provide to western breeders by foaling mares, consigning at the sales, and providing invaluable advice to their clients.

Co Clare veterinary surgeon Louis Hassett was another very popular recipient of the Special Recognition Award. Originally from Cork, Louis studied actuarial science before switching to veterinary medicine and how lucky the Irish racing industry is that he made that choice.

He worked for Jim Bolger at Clonsilla and in Britain before returning to practice in Limerick and eventually putting down roots in Newmarket-on-Fergus. Now a leading member of his profession, Louis is a member of the veterinary panel at all major Irish thoroughbred sales and was also a founding member of the Irish Equine Veterinary Association.

Emily Costello also struck for the Banner County when stepping forward to accept the Point-to-Point Award. From a famous racing family (her father is Dermot), Emily rode 11 winners between the flags last season, a total which would have won the ladies title most years.

Galway-based tractor dealer Pat Rabbitt won the Owner-Breeder Award for Maxxum, a prolific winner for trainer Gordon Elliott.

Noel and Sharon Lally of Hollow Ladge Stud in Athenry won the National Hunt Award for smart chaser Addragoole. That one is trained by Gavin Cromwell, as is Thyestes Chase winner Now Is The Hour, who earned the National Hunt Chaser Award for Tom Treacy and Sean O’Connell.

Galway owner-breeder Paul Mullins won the National Hunt Racemare Award for Switch From Diesel, and Robert Ryan was presented with the Flat Award for the high-class sprinter Acklam Express.

Award winners

NH Chaser: Tom Treacy and Seán O’Connell

NH Racemare: Paul Mullins

National Hunt: Noel and Sharon Lally

Flat: Robert Ryan

Point-to-Point: Emily Costello

Owner/breeder: Pat Rabbitt

Special Recognition: Louis Hassett

Contribution to the Industry: Ita and Brendan Sheridan