THE Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Western Region presented its annual breeding and racing awards on Galway Plate day before racing.

Close to 300 guests gathered in the Killanin Stand restaurant for a four-course lunch. Brian Purcell and Richard Pugh shared MC duties along with regional chairman Sean Murphy, who was assisted by committee members Ita Sheridan, Sean Hoare, Troy Cullen, Dillon Kenny, Ignatius Geraghty, Hugh Ryan, Cassie Tully and Carol Burke.

Nina Carberry MEP was a special guest, sharing a table with the ITBA’s new chairman Cathal Beale.

“It is great to be back at Galway this year to celebrate the success of Western breeders,” Beale commented. “We are delighted to hold these awards at one of the finest racing festivals in the world. Our thanks go to Galway Racecourse and Lydon House Catering for facilitating us again this year. The awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase our industry and today we celebrate the people in this region and the horses behind it.”

The Monroe family, owners of Monroes Tavern in Galway city, were honoured for their contribution to the industry with an award sponsored by Godolphin.

Galway winners

Originally from Mayo, the late John Monroe has owned plenty of Galway winners, including Clogs, Vultoro and Muzak. His sons Robbie and Gary are continuing the family involvement and enjoyed success at Galway last year with Talk In The Park and Volantis, both trained by Ross O’Sullivan.

The Kerin family from Belharbour in Co Clare picked up an award for breeding USA Grade 2 winner Poolside With Slim. The four-year-old by Churchill was bred by Tomás and Serendipity Kerin, along with Gerard Kerin. They previously enjoyed success at a high level with Lowther Stakes winner Besharah and top USA performer Ikerrin Road.

Frank O’Meara got a huge reception from those present when he stepped forward to receive an award as the breeder of high class staying chaser Mr Vango. The Midlands National winner was sold through Sheridan House Stables and Frank was presented with his award by committee member Ita Sheridan, along with Mary Lanigan from Tattersalls Ireland.

Take No Chances is one of the best hurdling mares trained in Britain, and her five wins for trainer Dan Skelton include a Grade 2 race at Ascot in which she defeated a Willie Mullins hotpot. Dan Corry from Loughrea bred Take No Chances and he picked up the Coolmore NH Award.

Matt Dwyer from Ballinameen, Co Roscommon, was honoured for breeding Santa Anita winner and Grade 3 placed filly Sorrento Sky. Matt owned the colt when he was twice placed as a juvenile for trainer Gavin Cromwell before being sold to the USA.

Cloonainra was a very consistent hurdler for trainer John McConnell last season, winning twice and being Grade 2-placed at Haydock. The son of Financial Reward was bred by Martin Peyton in Swinford, Co Mayo, and he was presented with an award.

The Irish Field sponsored the Special Recognition Award which was presented to Paul O’Neill from Kilnacrandy Farm in Quin, Co Clare. Paul, a talented rider himself, assists his father John in running this premier equestrian training facility with a reputation for excellence. Established in 2015, Kilnacrandy Farm is the only thoroughbred training facility west of the Shannon.

Award winners

Goffs Flat: KILWREELAN LTD (for Poolside With Slim)

Tattersalls Ireland NH Chaser:

FRANK O’MEARA (for Mr Vango)

Coolmore NH Hurdler:

DAN CORRY (for Take No Chances)

Weatherbys Ireland Breeder:

MATT DWYER (for Sorrento Sky)

NFP NH Breeder:

MARTIN PEYTON (for Cloonainra)

AIRO Owner/Breeder:

MONROE FAMILY

The Irish Field Special Recognition: JOHN & PAUL O’NEILL

Godolphin Contribution to the Industry:

BASIL HOLIAN