Irish National Stud Inducted Into ITBA Hall of Fame

The Irish National Stud was inducted into the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Hall of Fame Jan. 30, topping the 2020 ITBA National Breeding and Racing Awards that were presented in a virtual ceremony. 

The Hall of Fame induction 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. Charlie McConalogue, minister for agriculture, accepted the award on behalf of the Irish State.

Leo Powell hosted the virtual ceremony, which was delivered across all ITBA social media channels with awards being released every 10 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. President Michael Higgins wrote a personal message on the Irish National Stud in recognition of its national importance, which can be viewed on www.itba.ie.

The Wild Geese Award went to Gordon Cunningham of Curragmore 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 Special Recognition Award went to Todd Watt, who has served Irish vendors at Tattersalls and Tattersalls Ireland over many years and is seen as "The Go To Man."

"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," said ITBA chairman John McEnery. "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."

2020 ITBA National Breeding and Racing Awards Winners

Next Generation Award: Clare Manning

Novice Hurdler of the Year Award: Shishkin (Breeder: C.J. and E.B. Bennett)

Novice Chaser of the Year Award: Champ (Breeder: Philip and Jane Myerscough)

Hurdler of the Year Award: Paisley Park (Breeder: Michael Conaghan)

Chaser of the Year Award: Altior (Breeder: Paddy Behan)

Breeder of the Year Award: Ringfort Stud

2-Year-Old Filly of the Year Award: Aunt Pearl (Breeder: Ecurie Des Charmes and Ballylinch Stud)

2-Year-Old Colt of the Year Award: Supremacy (Breeder: Kangyu International Racing)

3-Year-Old Filly of the Year Award: Love (Breeder: Coolmore)

3-Year-Old Colt of the Year Award: Pinatubo (Breeder: Godolphin)

Older Horse of the Year Award: Ghaiyyath (Breeder: Springbank Way Stud)

Wild Geese Award: Gordon Cunningham

Special Recognition Award: Todd Watt

Hall of Fame: Irish National Stud