TAOISEACH Enda Kenny led the tributes to Aidan and Annemarie O’Brien who were inducted into the ITBA Hall of Fame at last Saturday’s Breeding and Racing Awards in The Heritage, Killenard, Co Laois.

After a year in which they were responsible for 22 Group 1 winners it was fitting that the O’Briens were honoured although a glance at the list of previous inductees suggests the couple might be well below the usual age limit for such an accolade.

Aidan may be the name on the licence but Annemarie’s input into the success of Ballydoyle - and the couple’s breeding operation - is immense.

As breeders they have produced seven-time Group 1 winner Rock Of Gibraltar, Oaks heroine Qualify, plus Group 1 winning juveniles Beethoven and Intricately. The last-named won the Moyglare Stud Stakes last season, trained and ridden by Aidan and Annemarie’s sons Joseph and Donnacha.

Along with the Taoiseach, video tributes were paid to the couple by Joseph, consignor Bill Dwan, breeder Seamus Burns, owner Sheikh Fahad al-Thani, Henry Beeby of Goffs and Lord Grimthorpe.

From Istabraq to Galileo to Found, some of the great horses to race for the O’Briens over the past 20 years were recalled as guests wondered how many more champions of the turf might be produced from the same source in the future.

Kilkenny hurling coach Brian Cody and greyhound trainer Paul Hennessy also saluted their success.

Tommy Stack has also experienced classic success as a trainer and breeder. Recently retired, he received a great reception when called on stage to receive the Lifetime Achievement award.

Born in 1945, Tommy worked in insurance before riding his first winner at age 20. He went on to be champion jump jockey in Britain on two occasions in the 1970s and of course he memorably rode Red Rum to victory in the 1977 Aintree Grand National.

As a trainer Tommy consistently competed at the top table. A Cartier Million victory with Corwyn Bay preceded classic wins for Las Meninas and Tarascon. With wife Liz, he bred recent stars The Wow Signal and The Last Lion.

A short film shown on the night also covered Tommy’s life-threatening bout of meningitis which left him unconscious for 13 days.

“A wonderful human being with a heart of gold,” is how Princess Haya described Tommy, as she recalled her many wonderful trips to Thomastown Castle in Cashel. Ben Sangster and Lester Piggott also sent their congratulations via video.

Like Tommy Stack, William Flood has given a lifetime of service to Irish racing and breeding.

The Boardsmill Stud owner was honoured with a Contribution to the Industry Award in recognition of the countless hours he has put in as a member of voluntary committees.

The Turf Club, Horse Racing Ireland, ITBA, EBF and Navan Racecourse are just some of the organisations to repeatedly call on William’s expertise.

Michael Hickey, Edmond Mahony and Ken Parkhill were among those to sing his praises.

Pressed to single out one initiative he was particularly proud of, William suggested that the expansion of the racing programme for National Hunt fillies, their 7lb allowance, and the ITBA Bonus Scheme for those racemares, was proving effective. A lot has been done “but it hasn’t filtered down to the filly foal yet,” he noted.

The Wild Geese award, given to an Irish person who has excelled in the industry abroad, went to Geoffrey Russell, Director of Sales at Keeneland.

From Howth, Geoffrey has been in Kentucky for 35 years and is largely credited with making Keeneland the biggest equine auction house in the world.

AWARD WINNERS

Two-Year-Old Filly: RHODODENDRON

Presented by Matt Dempsey of the Irish National Stud to Eddie Fitzpatrick, representing Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt

Two-Year-Old Colt: CHURCHILL

Presented by Henry Beeby of Goffs to M.V. Magnier, representing Liberty Bloodstock

Three-Year-Old Filly: MINDING

Presented by Eric Hoyeau of Arqana to M.V. Magnier, representing Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt

Three-Year-Old Colt: RIBCHESTER & THE GURKHA

Presented by Gerry Duffy of Kildangan Stud to Andrew Thompson and Michael O’Brien (Ribchester) and David O’Loughlin (The Gurkha) representing the Chintz Syndicate

Older Horse: FOUND

Presented by Pat Downes of Aga Khan Studs to Christy Grassick, representing Roncon, Wynatt & Chelston

Small Breeder: SEAMUS PHELAN

Presented by Paul Cashman of Rathbarry & Glenview Studs

Young National Hunt Horse: ALTIOR

Presented by Ronan Murphy of Weatherbys Ireland to Paddy Behan

National Hunt Filly: JER’S GIRL

Presented by Declan Landy (Fencing) to Thomas Bourke, representing Eugene Bourke

Chaser: CARLINGFORD LOUGH

Presented by Catherine Magnier of Coolmore Stud to Gerry Ross & Diana Vasicek

Hurdler: ANNIE POWER

Presented by Micheal Martin TD & Brian Kavanagh (HRI) to Eamon Cleary

Wild Geese: GEOFFREY RUSSELL

Presented by Enda Stanley of Derrinstown Stud

Contribution to the Industry: WILLIAM FLOOD

Presented by Simon Kerins of Tattersalls Ireland

Lifetime Achievement: TOMMY STACK