Galopin Des Champs Named Horse of the Year at HRI Awards
Galopin Des Champs claimed the prestigious Horse of the Year award at the Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Awards held at the Mansion House, Dublin, on Monday night.
The champion horse outperformed a formidable field that included City Of Troy, Kyprios, and State Man.
Unlike Al Boum Photo, Willie Mullins’ previous dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who never won the accolade, Galopin Des Champs’ achievements—including a second Cheltenham Gold Cup victory, a win in the Irish Gold Cup, and a remarkable performance in the Savills Chase—secured him the honor on a successful evening for his trainer.
Willie Mullins was also awarded the National Hunt prize after a historic year, becoming the first Irish-based trainer in 70 years to win the British jumps trainers’ title.
Mullins also celebrated his 18th title as Ireland’s champion trainer and nine victories at the Cheltenham Festival, bringing his total wins at the event to an extraordinary 103.
Highlights of the year included I Am Maximus’s Grand National triumph, adding to a stellar season for the Closutton team.
On the flat racing side, Aidan O’Brien took home the Flat award following another dominant year.
The Ballydoyle trainer secured his 27th Irish champion trainer title and his seventh British trainers’ crown, thanks to successes like City Of Troy’s Derby win.
Although champion jockey Colin Keane narrowly missed out on this award, the Flat Achievement award went to his father, Gerry Keane, for Crystal Black’s impressive victory in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Trainer Tom Gibney was recognized with the National Hunt Achievement Award, following Intense Raffles’ thrilling win in the Irish Grand National.
The victory came 12 years after his first success in the same race with Lion Na Bearnai.
Intense Raffles was piloted by JJ Slevin, whose exceptional ride on Nurburgring in the Galway Hurdle earned him the Ride of the Year award, determined by over 4,200 public votes.
Emerging talent James Ryan celebrated a breakthrough season, claiming the Champion Apprentice title after a nail-biting finish and a 33 winner haul.
His achievements also earned him the Emerging Talent award, capping off an incredible year.
David Christie, based in County Fermanagh, took home the Point-to-Point Award, while Fairyhouse was named Racecourse of the Year.
The latter accolade was decided through a combination of public votes, racecourse votes, and a committee assessment focusing on sustainability.
Nearly 10,000 racing fans participated in the online poll, which accounted for 50% of the final result.
The Contribution to the Industry Award went to His Highness the Aga Khan, whose legacy includes legendary horses such as Shergar, Shahrastani, and Sinndar.
HRI chairman Nicky Hartery praised his transformative impact on Irish racing over the last century, stating, “With these awards, we celebrate something more profound than achievements and investments.
His Highness the Aga Khan is not just a valued partner of the Irish racing community; he is one of us.
We feel that he is part of the very fabric of our industry, and we have claimed him as one of our own.
“We are forever grateful for all His Highness has done for Irish horseracing.
His vision, dedication, and generosity have enriched our sport and strengthened our community in ways that will endure for generations.”
The winners at the 22nd Horse Racing Ireland awards
Horse of the Year Galopin Des Champs
Emerging talent James Ryan
National hunt Willie Mullins
National hunt achievement Tom Gibney
Point-to-point David Christie
Flat Aidan O’Brien
Flat achievement Gerry Keane
Racecourse of the year Fairyhouse
Ride of the year JJ Slevin
Contribution to the industry His Highness the Aga Khan
