THE Western Region of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association hosted a lunch for 300 people at Galway Racecourse on Wednesday.

As is the tradition on Plate day at Ballybrit, awards were presented to local breeders who were responsible for some significant winners in the previous 12 months.

ITBA CEO Shane O’Dwyer said: “This event has grown wings over the last few years and is firmly cemented in the calendar as a must-attend event.

“It is a credit to the Western Region committee who put in all the hard work to bring this together every year. It is particularly rewarding to see such good horses being produced by breeders in the west of Ireland every year. Long may it continue.”

AWARD WINNERS

Goffs Flat: Gerry Flannery for Flaming Spear

Coolmore Stud International: Albert Conneally for Satanicjim

Tattersalls Ireland National Hunt: Maureen Gill for Foxtail Hill

Weatherbys Ireland Point-to-point: David Moran for Ballyvic Boru

SBB Insurances Small Breeder: Gabriel Fahy

The Irish Field Contribution to the Industry: Val O’Brien

Kildangan Stud Services to Industry: Michael Staunton