Champion Jockeys Crowned!
A wonderful Season Finale on Sunday 3rd November, kindly supported by the Curragh’s on-course bookmakers saw local families out in their droves enjoying the complimentary entry, FREE kids entertainment and much exciting action on the track.
The highlight of the day was the crowning by Horse Racing Ireland of Champion Jockey, Champion Trainer, Champion Owner, and Champion Apprentice Jockey.
The indefatigable Colin Keane, fresh off an amazing victory at the Breeder’s Cup aboard the Ger Lyon’s trained Magnum Force had his hands well on the Champions Jockey Trophy in advance of Sunday.
However, the battle for Champion Apprentice Jockey was truly a nail-biter! Amazing performances from Adam Caffrey, James Ryan, and Wayne Hassett throughout the season made for a thrilling final week that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Whilst each were very deserving of the title of Champion Apprentice Jockey, it was James Ryan, from Oldtown in County Dublin and apprenticed to Tom McCourt in Stamullen, County Meath who was ultimately crowned Champion Apprentice Jockey.
Having notched up the biggest win of his career when partnering the Danny Murphy-trained Ostraka to take the Group 3 William Hill Mercury Stakes at Dundalk just over a week ago, James pulled ahead of Adam and Wayne in the battle for Apprentice Jockey glory. It was the highlight of his season that also included wins on the Adrian Murray-trained Courageous Strike in the Fitzpatrick’s Apprentice Derby at the Curragh on Irish Derby Weekend and on Jack Davison’s Artful Approach at the Galway Festival. James was also associated with Edward Lynam’s progressive sprinter Keke.
On the day, Mrs Sue Magnier was also crowned Ireland’s champion owner once again with her legendary racing colours known the world over, this year through her involvement with equine stars such as Truly Enchanting, Los Angeles, Kyprios and Lake Victoria.
Champion Trainer went to the exceptional Aidan O’Brien. This is a remarkable 27th champion trainer title for Aidan who is truly a dominant force in Irish Flat racing since he trained his first Group 1 winner in 1996. A multiple Group 1 winner once again this year, Aidan won at the highest-level at home with Ryan Moore partnering both Los Angeles and Kyprios to take the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and the Comer Group International Irish St Leger respectively at the Curragh Racecourse while Wayne Lordan was in the saddle as Lake Victoria won the Moyglare Stud Stakes.
Heartfelt congratulations to all the winners on an amazing season.