John Oxx and Barry Geraghty honoured as Irish racing crowns 2020 champions

Legendary horsemen John Oxx and Barry Geraghty were honoured at the 2020 Horse Racing Ireland awards, with the recently retired giants of the sport celebrated at a ceremony broadcast on Racing TV and online on Tuesday.

Oxx, one of the greatest trainers of his generation, called time on a glittering career at the end of the 2020 Flat season, and was handed the Contribution to the Industry award, while gifted rider Geraghty claimed the Irish Racing Hero prize in a year he ended a sublime spell of more than two decades in the saddle.

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: "It's hugely important we recognise those who achieved so much in the year gone by. And as we do, we also pay tribute to two giants of the racing game, John Oxx and Barry Geraghty, who called time on their stellar careers in recent months. Few trainers will reach the heights enjoyed by John, and similarly, Barry was so often a winner on the biggest of racing days."

Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo saw off Honeysuckle, Envoi Allen, Magical and Love to take home the prestigious Horse of the Year award for the Donnelly family and Willie Mullins.

An emotional Tony Mullins, whose terrific handling of Princess Zoe was recognised by winning the Flat Achievement award, was surprised at his Wateree Stud base when handed the prize by the popular mare's owner Paddy Kehoe and broadcaster Jane Mangan.

"I'm holding back tears," said Mullins. "This is what we do it for, to have horses that are recognised like this and it's so lovely that the public have latched onto her."

Colin Keane, who landed his second Flat jockeys' championship in a season littered with top-level victories, claimed the Flat award, while Rachael Blackmore made it back-to-back wins in the National Hunt category after a memorable 2020.

The popular 66-1 Cheltenham Festival success of It Came To Pass was honoured as the father-and-daughter team of Eugene and Maxine O'Sullivan claimed the National Hunt Achievement award, and they were also surprised at their Cork base by Mangan.

Rachael Blackmore won the National Hunt award after another brilliant year

"I was overwhelmed on the day and I'm overwhelmed now," said the winning trainer. "This is a big family operation and the award means a lot to all of us."

Colin Bowe's Cheltenham Festival hat-trick with former point-to-point winners Envoi Allen, Samcro and Ferny Hollow was recognised as he picked up his second Point-to-Point award in a row.

Champion apprentice Gavin Ryan saw his sensational campaign capped off with the Emerging Talent award, and was greeted at his home with the trophy by Tipperary hurling manager Liam Sheedy.

The young jockey also landed the prestigious Ride of the Year Award for his last-gasp success on Saltonstall at the Galway festival.

The award winners

Contribution to the Industry: John Oxx
Irish Racing Hero: Barry Geraghty
Horse of the Year: Al Boum Photo
Emerging Talent: Gavin Ryan
National Hunt: Rachael Blackmore
National Hunt Achievement: Eugene and Maxine O’Sullivan
Point-to-Point: Colin Bowe
Flat: Colin Keane
Flat Achievement: Tony Mullins
Ride of the Year: Gavin Ryan

Read more

'I'm going to become a fairweather racegoer' - John Oxx bows out

Noel Meade: Barry Geraghty was the strongest I have ever seen in a finish

Al Boum Photo and Cyrname share Anglo-Irish classification top honours

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