RAHEEN Na Gun stud and equestrian training centre in Co Kilkenny scooped a prestigious award from the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce last weekend, to the delight of owner Ger O’Brien.

Winning the top award in the Glanbia-sponsored agri-business category on the night, O’Brien and his team were up against two other finalists, Warrington Top Flight Equestrian Centre and Highbank Orchard.

“I had to make a presentation to a panel of business people where I explained that our main focus in Raheen Na Gun is to produce young horses and riders who can compete at the top level,” O’Brien told The Irish Field.

“I also highlighted the horses we have successfully sold abroad, as well as the success of our young riders.”

Among the horses exported from the Kilkenny base are the stallion Z Wellie 72, who is now jumping in China and claimed a bronze medal in the Asian Games in 2011, HHS Charmer who is jumping at Grand Prix level in America and Douglas Delight, who recently featured prominently at the Arena UK in Britain under Anthony Condon.

O’Brien was due to travel to China last month to see his former stable charge Z Wellie 72 in action but a broken leg courtesy of a four-year-old put paid to his plans.

“We have a great team here that includes my partner Mary Reidy who looks after everything, Larry Flanagan, Sarah Lang, Mary Carter, Martin Dempsey, Deirdre Rafter and Bob O’Brien,” said the Raheen Na Gun owner.

“We also have great support from our near neighbour Carol Gee in Fernhill Sport Horses and Ger O’Neill of Castlefield Sport Horses,” he added.