Eugene and Maxine O’Sullivan and Colin Bowe were among the winners of the annual Horse Racing Ireland Awards, which were announced on Tuesday in a virtual ceremony.
Eugene and Maxine O’Sullivan, from Lombardstown, County Cork, were presented with the National Hunt Achievement Award.
It Came To Pass bridged a 29-year gap for Eugene when winning the St James’ Place Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
He had won the race in 1991 with Lovely Citizen, ridden by his brother William, and this time his daughter Maxine, a leading point-to-point rider, was in the saddle as the 66/1 outsider scored a truly memorable 10-length success.
A family affair 👪
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) December 15, 2020
The National Hunt Achievement Award goes to Eugene O'Sullivan and @MaxineOSullivan for their phenomenal @CheltenhamRaces Foxhunter Chase victory with It Came To Pass ðŸ˜
It came 29 years after Eugene won the same race with Lovely Citizen! #HRIAwards pic.twitter.com/g0wQtR7YiP
Colin Bowe is the winner of the Point-to-Point Award for the second year running, continuing the domination of County Wexford in the category.
Colin won his eighth leading point-to-point handler award last season and three horses, Envoi Allen, Samcro and Ferny Hollow, that he brought up through the ranks triumphed at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
His fellow countymen Barry O'Neill and Jamie Codd are recent winners of the Horse Racing Ireland Point-to-Point Award.
ð·ð‘œð‘¢ð‘ð‘™ð‘–ð‘›ð‘” ð‘¢ð‘! @colinboweracing wins the Point-to-Point Award for the second straight year! ðŸ†ðŸ†
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) December 15, 2020
The Kiltealy trainer's list of impressive graduates include the unbeaten Envoi Allen and Samcro! 🙌 #HRIAwards pic.twitter.com/KHGNvU1O9y
The 10 winners of the 18th annual awards were:
Contribution to the Industry Award: John Oxx
Irish Racing Hero Award: Barry Geraghty
Horse of the Year Award: Al Boum Photo
Emerging Talent Award: Gavin Ryan
National Hunt Award: Rachael Blackmore
National Hunt Achievement Award: Eugene and Maxine O’Sullivan
Point-to-Point Award: Colin Bowe
Flat Award: Colin Keane
Flat Achievement Award: Tony Mullins
Ride of the Year: Gavin Ryan
Horse Racing Ireland Chairman, Nicky Hartery, commented: “We are nearing the end of what has been an extremely trying year and I wish to thank everyone in this wonderful industry who adapted so well to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In addition to our winners today, I congratulate all those who kept the show on the road in 2020. Together, we look forward to a much brighter and exciting year ahead.”
