Irish Flat Racing Jockey Awards The Flat turf season ends at Leopardstown on Sunday November 6, and the occasion will be appropriately marked this year by the return of the Irish Flat Racing Jockey Awards to be held that evening at Dublin's Louis Fitzgerald Hotel. The awards are of course headed by the champion jockey title, with Johnny Murtagh currently leading reigning champ Pat Smullen by five (77-72) with six meetings remaining including this afternoon's fixture at Navan. The apprentice title looks all over with Joseph O'Brien, who shared the honour with both Gary Carroll and Ben Curtis last season, well clear. There is also an award for the jockey who has progressed most during the year, which will be voted on by the riders themselves, and presented on the night at the Newland's Cross venue. Tickets for the "Awards", which includes a welcome drink, four course meal and a live band, can be purchased for just €30. The dress code is informal, and the evening gets underway at 6.30. For further information visit www.irishjockeyawards.com.
