Halford wins Flat Award Trainer Michael Halford has landed the Flat Award at the annual Irish Horse Racing Awards in Dublin as voted by the Irish racing media. The County Kildare handler was rewarded for his achievements with Casamento, who gave him his first Group One success in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. Champion trainer Willie Mullins won the National Hunt award for the second year running while Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Big Zeb, trained by Colm Murphy was crowned the 2010 horse of the year. For the first time in eight years of the awards, hosted by Horse Racing Ireland, there were joint winners in the outstanding achievement category. It was shared by trainer Jessica Harrington and jockey Katie Walsh. Jockey Derek O'Connor claimed the Point to Point Award for the fourth successive year and RTE broadcaster Colm Murray received the Contribution to the Industry Award. HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: "This has been a challenging year for Ireland and Irish racing. "Today's award winners are a reminder of the resilience and professionalism of our racing men and women which maintains and strengthens Irelands position as a leading racing nation."
