THE ITBA National Breeding & Racing Awards 2020 were presented online last Saturday night.

The virtual ceremony which was delivered across all ITBA social media channels, was hosted by Leo Powell, editor of The Irish Field, with awards being released every 10 minutes.

The evening commenced with an address by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who despite his extremely busy schedule, took the time to acknowledge the success of the Irish thoroughbred Industry and its importance to Ireland from both an economic and cultural perspective.

This year’s inductee to the Hall of Fame is the Irish National Stud. This is in recognition of the Irish National Stud’s invaluable contribution to the Irish thoroughbred industry over many decades and for the contribution it continues to make; from the stallions it stands, to its world-renowned thoroughbred breeding course and the impact the stud makes as a national tourist attraction.

On behalf of the Irish State, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue accepted this deserving award.

President Michael D. Higgins wrote a personal message to acknowledge the Irish National Stud in recognition of its national importance. The message can be viewed on www.itba.ie.

The Wild Geese Award 2020 went to the richly deserving Gordon Cunningham of Curraghmore Stud in New Zealand. Gordon has flown the Irish flag with great pride for over two decades in the southern hemisphere.

He has taken the time to welcome and nurture many young and emerging Irish breeders who made their way to New Zealand over many years.

The year’s Special Recognition Award went to the much loved and respected Todd Watt, who has served Irish vendors at Tattersalls and Tattersalls Ireland so very well over many years and is seen as the ‘go-to’ man.

Commenting on the awards ITBA chairman John McEnery said: “Despite all the many challenges facing the industry in 2020, Irish breeders and Irish-bred horses continued to excel on both the national and international stage.

“We are indebted to our loyal sponsors without whom we would be unable to stage these awards.

“We were delighted with the level of participation and engagement by the viewers, who tuned in from all corners of the world via social media to acknowledge the wonderful people and horses who made 2020 such a memorable year for the Irish thoroughbred breeding industry.

“Congratulations to all the deserving winners.”

Award winners

Next Generation

Clare Manning

Novice Hurdler Of The Year

Shishkin

Breeder: C.J. & E.B. Bennett

Novice Chaser of the Year

Champ

Breeder: Philip & Jane Myerscough

Hurdler of the Year:

Paisley Park

Breeder: Michael Conaghan

Chaser of the Year

Altior

Breeder: Paddy Behan

Breeder of the Year:

Ringfort Stud

Two-Year-Old Filly of the Year

Aunt Pearl

Breeder: Ecurie Des Charmes & Ballylinch Stud

Two-Year-Old Colt of the Year

Supremacy

Breeder: Kangyu International Racing

Three-Year-Old Filly of the Year

Love

Breeder: Coolmore

Three-Year-Old Colt of the Year

Pinatubo

Breeder: Godolphin

Older Horse of the Year

Ghaiyyath

Breeder: Springbank Way Stud

Wild Geese Award

Gordon Cunningham

Special Recognition Award

Todd Watt

Hall Of Fame 2020

Irish National Stud