The Fifth annual Irish Stablestaff awards were held in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare Saturday night the 26th of January. Once again a sold out attendance of 550 people were present to celebrate the achievements of Irish Stablestaff at the Horse Racing Ireland sponsored event. Eight awards categories were up for decision and an enthusiastic young crowd welcomed the winners.
I.S.A President, Minister Sean Power stated “I am delighted to see the Awards recognise the hard work that goes on behind the scenes of Irish Racing. Irish Stablestaff are a highly skilled workforce and their input into the success of the Irish Racing Industry is greatly appreciated.” Brain Kavanagh CEO of H.R.I was in attendance to present the award for best National Hunt Team.
I.S.A Chief Executive Dan Kirwan said “The night was thoroughly enjoyed by all and I would like to congratulate the winners of awards. I would also like to thank Horse Racing Ireland for their continued Sponsorship of the event and the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association for the specially commissioned trophies on the night”.
All proceeds on the night were donated to the John O’Mahony rehabilitation Fund a stablestaff employee who was badly injured in a fall from a horse. The night was also used to highlight the problem that there is very little available to stablestaff when they are unable to work due to injury. The establishment of an Injured Stablestaff fund similar to the excellent Injured Jockey Fund was called for and the ISA would seek for its implementation.