6 minute read
....Girls aloud
THIS YEAR the yearling sales in the UK and Ireland definitely brought forward a lot of commentary and concern – it was one of the more difficult sales seasons experienced by many for a long time. But there were still many top quality horses, changing hands for big prices, showing us that the top of the market remains strong.
With the autumn season out of the way, now is the time that we reflect on how stallions performed at the yearling sales in order to plan matings for the upcoming breeding season.
Stallion nomination prices will be of great concern to many breeders, given the difficult financial climate the world is currently facing. I think this year a value for money option will be at the top of everybody’s list.
After a busy yearling sales season, it was really lovely to get back home to the farm. At this time of year there is little time for rest –mares and foals have come in for their sales preparation and I look forward to a nice draft for the sales ahead.
I barely had time to unpack before it was time to attend the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards evening, held in association with Godolphin. This is an evening that I really enjoy every year. It is a chance to celebrate the achievements of the dedicated men and women who look after the horses in this industry.
Godolphin and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed have been so generous with their support of the industry employee awards around the world. Their support and generosity have given recognition to the many dedicated employees, working hard behind-the-scenes every day in our industry. The awards go to exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to racing and breeding.
This year’s awards were particularly special as they began with a tribute to Henry de Bromhead’s staff with a Special Recognition Award in light of the tragic loss of Jack De Bromhead. By the end of the video, which told the story of the days, weeks and months following the loss of young Jack, there wasn’t a dry eye left in the Keadeen Hotel.
The staff were nominated by IHRB chief medical officer Jennifer Pugh, who had glowing praise for the team and it is safe to say that everyone in the room felt the same way.
Ballinrobe racecourse, which ws judged to have the best facilities for stable employees and was awarded the Racecourse Award. It really shows what a small racecourse can do when it is determined to give a high class offering to all of its patrons.
The awards for dedicated staff followed thick and fast with many well deserving and hard-working people honoured.
Niall Amond, or “Bubba”, as he is better known and who works tirelessly for Jessica Harrington, was definitely a popular choice, as was Caitriona Bolger, who is a barn manager for Gordon Elliott. Both recognised for their dedication.
The Newcomer’s Award was given to Natalie Bradley, who is a yard supervisor with trainer Eoin Griffin – she has only been with him since the start of 2023. Many were impressed with her enthusiasm and she named one of her heroes and inspiration as Rachael Blackmore.
It was lovely to see her get the chance to meet Rachael later that evening and have her photo taken with her hero.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHEERS of the evening was for the elder statesman of the evening Paddy Duffy, who has worked in the industry from more than 70 years. He is still very young at heart and still rides out. At 84, he is an inspiration to us all with his hard work and dedication as assistant trainer to his son Shane.
The Gordon Elliott stable applauded another winner from the yard – racing secretary Alex Hutter. She is more than just a racing secretary, but also a PA to Gordon and keeps his busy life under order.
Another lady who keeps a watchful eye on the proceedings as a trainer’s secretary is Nicole Kent, who works for Henry de Bromhead, and she was another popular winner for the County Waterford stable.
When Niko Jenjic arrived in Ireland from Croatia he began work from Michael Halford and is now currently working for the training partnership of Tracey Collins and Halford at Conyngham Lodge. Both trainers spoke of their admiration for his dedication.
Ciara Robinson is part of the team at Aido McGuinness Racing and the trainer was full of praise for all the hard work that Ciara puts in on a daily basis. Ciara is travelling head person at the yard, and really enjoys her work, which was a joy to see.
With so many well deserving and hard-working people in the room it was definitely going to be a hard decision to pick just one to win the overall Irish Racing Excellence Award.
That said there was one man who stood out for his hard work dedication over a huge number of years.
Paddy Duffy was announced as the overall winner and the room jumped to its feet with applause. For many it might be hard to imagine giving 70 years of your life in dedication to the bloodstock and racing industries. Paddy has worked tirelessly not only with his own son and for other trainers, but also with young apprentices to make them better at their craft. It was clear that there was a huge amount of respect in the room for him and that he was a well deserved winner.
After enjoying such a great night and seeing the joy on the award winners faces for the recognition, I could only urge people to nominate their staff for next year’s awards.
It is so important to acknowledge the contribution of the hard work done by people behind the scenes in our industry and I am already looking forward to the next round of award winners in 2024.
Award winners
Niall Amond: Travelling Head Person, Jessica Harrington
Caitriona Bolger: Barn Manager, Gordon Elliott
Natalie Bradley: Newcomer, Yard Supervisor, Eoin Griffin
Alex Hutter: PA / Racing Secretary, Gordon Elliott
Niko Jenjic: Travelling Head Person, Michael Halford & Tracey Collins
Nicole Kent: Racing Secretary, Henry de Bromhead
Ciara Robinson: Travelling Head Person, Ado McGuinness
