LEO Powell was honoured by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association with a Contribution to the Industry Award at The Heritage Hotel in Killenard, Co Laois, last Sunday evening.

Having stepped away from his role as Editor of The Irish Field last September after 20 years in the job, Powell remains a leading contributor to the publication and also continues to act as MC for the ITBA’s annual National Breeding & Racing Awards.

He carried out his on-stage duties with his usual professionalism last Sunday but clearly had no inkling that he had been given a fake script for the Contribution to the Industry Award.

Handing over to awards committee member Brendan McArdle for the big reveal, Powell was expecting a senior bloodstock industry figure to be called to the stage and was left stunned when the spotlight was instead turned on himself.

Tributes from Robert Hall, Jacqueline Norris, Nick Nugent, Matt Dempsey, Joe Connolly and Kirsten Rausing were shown on the big screen.

“He is one of those people who can represent our industry internationally very, very well,” said Jacqueline Norris. “Leo is a people person. He’s pure class.”

Nick Nugent said: “Leo understands that in racing most participants lose a lot more often than they win and he has great empathy for people who are doing their best, trying hard and not necessarily always getting what they deserve.”

Matt Dempsey: “He is incredibly interested in the people that make up this business. You can feel the goodwill coming from him. It’s his kindness and his interest in the people and their horses that are his outstanding characteristics.”

Powell began his career working for Tattersalls at Ballsbridge before moving to Goffs and then joining The Irish Field.

Jacqueline Norris and Joe Connolly both acknowledged Powell’s efforts to promote mental health and mindfulness in the pages of The Irish Field. He was also lauded for his support for small breeders and the National Hunt Fillies Scheme.

“I am absolutely stunned,” Powell told Brendan McArdle.

Asked to name his career highlights to-date, the award recipient said his 20 years at the helm of The Irish Field was what made him most proud, though he also cherishes an ITBA small breeder award won by his parents, the late Benny and Sheila.

What advice would he give the next generation? “Put yourself out there, talk to everyone, never miss an opportunity to make a contact.

“It’s a hard business but be kind and karma dictates it will come back to you. I consider myself to have a lot of good friends in the industry. I like the idea that people trust me and see me as a good person.”