Joanna Morgan© Photo Healy Racing
Joanna Morgan won the coveted 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the Sportswoman Of The Year ceremony in Dublin yesterday.
Morgan was presented with the award for her valued contribution to racing by Tanaiste Joan Burton.
"I have so much admiration for all the girls, and I was honoured to be amongst them" said Morgan at Dundalk Stadium last night.
She added, "I'm really chuffed to win this award. Horses like One Won One have taken me all over the world. He ran for us in Dubai, Hong Kong and America.
"I rode winners on every continent, and I feel very lucky."
Born in the small Welsh town of Crickhowell, Morgan began riding in Ireland aged 21 in 1974, becoming Ireland's first female professional jockey.
Five years later she became the first woman to ride at Royal Ascot and continued to break down barriers by becoming the first woman to ride in an Irish Classic.
A mother of three, Morgan retired as a jockey in 1997 having ridden more than 200 winners.
She is now a widely respected trainer based at Ballivor in Co. Meath and, 35 years after making history as a jockey at Royal Ascot, she trained a winner at the famous venue with Roca Tumu in the Britannia Stakes.
Boxer Katie Taylor was crowned The Irish Times/Irish Sports Council 'Sportswoman of the Year 2014' following a record breaking sixth European title and her fifth consecutive World title.
It is her fourth time to win the award having previously won it in 2007, 2008 and 2012. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sportswoman of the Year awards which recognise the abilities and achievements of women in Irish sports.
