Zeb named Horse Of The Year Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Big Zeb was named Horse of the Year at the 2010 Irish Horse Racing Awards in the Leopardstown Pavilion, Dublin this afternoon. Champion National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins won the National Hunt Award for the second successive year, while Michael Halford won the Flat Award for his handling of Racing Post Trophy winner Casamento. For the first time in the eight year history of the awards, which are voted on by the Irish Racing Media to recognise excellence in the sport of horse racing, there were joint winners. The Outstanding Achievement Category provided a tie as trainer Jessica Harrington and amateur rider Katie Walsh shared the prize. Jockey Derek O’ Connor claimed the Point to Point Award for the fourth successive year. In addition to the five main categories, HRI presented RTE broadcaster Colm Murray with the Contribution to the Industry Award. Murray received a standing ovation from the large crowd which included many of his RTE colleagues. Colm's engaging and eloquent reports from racecourses and training yards all over Ireland have helped to bring racing to the attention of literally millions of people over the past two decades, illuminating our great sport in a constantly positive and entertaining manner. Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland remarked on 2010 saying: “2010 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.” The list of Winners & Nominees for the 2010 Awards are as follows:-  Horse of the Year – Big Zeb Cape Blanco, Pathfork, Quevega, Rite of Passage & Sizing Europe National Hunt Award – Willie Mullins Charles Byrnes, Gigginstown House Stud & Ruby Walsh Flat Award – Michael Halford Aidan O’Brien, Pat Smullen & Dermot Weld Outstanding Achievement – Jessica Harrington and Katie Walsh Gordon Elliot, Eddie Lynam, Andrew Lynch & Paul Townend Point to Point Award – Derek O’ Connor Colin Bowe, James Motherway & Barry O’Neill Contribution to the Industry – Colm Murray Previous winners: Michael Kinane, Dave Fox, Galway Race Committee, Con Collins & Kevin Prendergast
