REVIVED after a break of two decades or so, the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) held an awards night last Saturday which was attended by some 200 award winners and guests.

A total of 16 awards were presented in the company of Minister Tom Hayes and Horse Racing Ireland chairman Joe Keeling.

The Minister praised the input that owners make to what is considered a world class industry and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment.

AIRO chairman John Weld offered his congratulations to all the award winners, while guest speaker Charlie McCreevy asked that more racecourses treat owners better.

He praised those that go the extra furlong to assist and look after owners, but was also critical of those that do not.

Many familiar faces were among the award winners, but one of the biggest cheers on the night was reserved for Seamus Tobin who finally visited the winner’s enclosure after 40 years when Balinaboola Prince won a maiden hurdle at Wexford in June.

Four services to racing awards were presented on the night and these were won by AIR employee Robert Costello, the first person most card holders meet when they go racing, legendary racecourse photographer Liam Healy who was sadly absent on the night, and racecourse employees Hilary Cahill in Punchestown and Eileen Bell in Down Royal.

Three racecourses were given merit awards and there to receive them on the night were their managers Kevin Coleman (Bellewstown), Richard Lyttle (Downpatrick) and Peter Roe (Fairyhouse).

The selection of the award winners was made by Mark Costello of The Irish Field and Alan Sweetman of the Racing Post.

An envelope collection in aid of the Robbie McNamara Trust raised €3,505.