ITBA National Breeding & Racing Awards 2020
01 February 2021
The ITBA National Breeding & Racing Awards 2020 took place on Saturday 30 January 2021.
The Virtual Ceremony, which was delivered across all ITBA social media channels, was hosted by Leo Powell with awards being released every ten minutes.
The evening commenced with an opening 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 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 most
deserving award.
President Michael D Higgins wrote a personal message on 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 the 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, 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 many viewers, who tuned in from all corners of the bloodstock world via
social media to acknowledge the wonderful people and horses who made 2020 such
a memorable year for the Irish thoroughbred breeding industry. Below
is a list of our ITBA National Breeding & Racing Awards 2020 Winners.
Congratulations to all deserving winners!
ITBA
National Breeding & Racing Awards 2020– Winners
Next Generation Award 2020: Clare Manning
Novice Hurdler of the Year
Award 2020: Shishkin - Breeder: CJ &
EB Bennett
Novice Chaser of the Year
Award 2020: Champ Breeder: Philip &
Jane Myerscough
Hurdler of the Year Award
2020: Paisley Park - Breeder:
Michael Conaghan
Chaser of the Year Award 2020: Altior - Breeder: Paddy
Behan
Breeder of the Year Award
2020: Ringfort Stud
2 Year Old Filly of the Year
Award 2020: Aunt Pearl - Breeder: Ecurie
Des Charmes & Ballylinch Stud
2 Year Old Colt of the Year
Award 2020: Supremacy - Breeder: Kangyu
International Racing
3 Year Old Filly of the Year
Award 2020: Love - Breeder: Coolmore
3 Year Old Colt of the Year
Award 2020: Pinatubo - Breeder: Godolphin
Older Horse of the Year Award
2020: Ghaiyyath - Breeder: Springbank
Way Stud
Wild Geese Award 2020: Gordon Cunningham
Special Recongition Award
2020: Todd Watt
Hall of Fame 2020: Irish National Stud