RACHAEL Blackmore, Willie Mullins, J.P. McManus and the Honeysuckle team were among those honoured at The McCoys, The Jockey Club awards ceremony staged at Cheltenham Racecourse on Thursday night.

More than 350 guests gathered to celebrate the return of the event, which took place for the fourth time and recognises achievements both on and off the track.

Blackmore was recognised for her Grand National-winning ride on Minella Times, rather than her achievement in becoming the first female to be the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival.

Blackmore said: “It still feels strange watching Aintree back now, but it’s just incredible. The Grand National was an incredible day and I’m very thankful.

“Cheltenham is such a special place and even when you walk through here when there’s nobody there it’s such a special place to be. It’ll be great to get people back and everyone who was here this year made it very special. There’s no denying that Cheltenham is all about the atmosphere and it will be very special to be back.”

Blackmore’s Cheltenham Festival winners included Allaho’s fine success in the Ryanair Chase, for which Willie Mullins’ charge was awarded Horse Performance of the Season.

And the accolades for Irish-based stars did not stop there, with the Henry de Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle crowned Horse of the Season, after a scintillating campaign which saw her extend her career tally to 12 wins from 12 starts, including victory in the Champion Hurdle.

The Leading Owner award, for those with four horses or more, was presented to J.P. McManus. He said: “It was a good season and I’m delighted. It was great to have a Festival and it was great for the Irish! It was fantastic to have it and it’s great to be a part of it. I’ve watched Minella Times many times and every time I get a great kick out of it – it was great to see Rachael win the National.”

There were also special presentations on the night to Richard Johnson and Simon Claisse. Johnson, the four-time champion jockey announced his surprise retirement in April this year after riding 3,800 winners. Also this year Claisse stepped down as clerk of the course at Cheltenham after more than 20 years at the helm.

McCoy Award winners

  • Leading Owner (four horses or more): J.P. McManus
  • Leading Owner (three horses or fewer): Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and J and L Hales
  • Leading Trainer (40 horses or more): Paul Nicholls
  • Leading Trainer (39 horses or fewer): Stuart Edmunds
  • Leading Professional Jockey: Harry Skelton
  • Leading Conditional Jockey: Jack Tudor
  • Leading Amateur Jockey: Harriet Tucker
  • Leading Hurdler: Bannixtown Glory
  • Leading Novice Chaser: Shishkin
  • Leading Chaser: Frodon
  • Stable Person of the Year: Jaimie Duff
  • Racing Ride of the Season: Rachael Blackmore, Minella Times
  • Horse Performance of the Season: Allaho, Ryanair Chase
  • Horse of the Season: Honeysuckle
  • Outstanding Contribution: Richard Johnson
  • Judges’ Choice: Simon Claisse