HRI award winners announced The annual Horse Racing Ireland awards were held in the Leopardstown Pavilion in Dublin this afternoon. 180 guests were in attendance at the ceremony including Simon Coveney the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who presented the six awards. Horse of the Year: Hurricane Fly National Hunt Award: Willie Mullins Outstanding Achievement Award: Nina Carberry Flat Award: Joseph O'Brien Point to Point Award: Derek O'Connor Contribution to the Industry Award: Dermot Weld Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said at the awards: "At a time of economic adversity, the success of Irish breeders, trainers and jockeys shows what we are capable of in this country, which has such a rich equine history and heritage. "The Irish bloodstock industry is of enormous economic benefit to this country, providing 16,000 jobs, almost €1 billion in economic output with exports worth some €147 million to 36 countries in 2010. "The great success enjoyed in 2011 created a ripple effect, enhancing the reputation of the industry and benefitting owners, breeders, jockeys and indeed all those involved in the industry either directly or indirectly. "The Government is aware of the economic importance of the horse racing and breeding sector. It ticks all the boxes in terms of employment, foreign direct investment and is the type of export-orientated industry we need. "Not alone that but it is very much part of our international reputation. It is simply part of what we are. I congratulate all our award winners today who have represented horse racing and Ireland so well.”
