NIALL Hannity of Racing TV was a special guest at the ITBA Northern Region Breeders Awards at Downpatrick last Friday week (May 10th).

From Downpatrick, Hannity rode 100 winners over jumps before retraining as a television presenter. He is also a jockeys’ agent and a producer of thoroughbreds. At Downpatrick he told MC Brendan McArdle about his life and times in the sport.

Over 100 guests attended on the evening to acknowledge the achievements of Northern breeders and Irish-bred horses during 2023, both flat and National Hunt.

ITBA Northern Region chairman Max Ervine said: “We would like to thank all those who joined us last Friday, it was a hugely successful event that saw our Northern breeders being rewarded for their success on both national and international stages.

“We would also like to thank the team at Downpatrick for all their work in ensuring we all enjoyed a fantastic evening of racing and entertainment.”

Award winners

Leading 2YO: KAIRYU, bred by Pat Turley

Leading 3YO: QUEEN OF THE MUD, bred by McCracken Farms

Leading Overseas Horse: DUVET DAY, bred by John Yarr

Leading Older Horse: FACTEUR CHEVAL, bred by McCracken Farms

Leading NH Horse: GRANGECLARE WEST, bred by J.P. and Leonard King

Leading NH Mare: JEREMYS FLAME, bred by Mrs A Kirkwood

Leading NH Owner Breeder: AILIE ROSE, bred by Miss E Hamilton

Leading PTP Horse: DON’T MATTER NOW, bred by Stephen Magee

Special Recognition Award: Ms Margaret Ervine