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His Highness the Aga Khan received the Contribution to the Industry Award at last evening's Horse Racing Ireland Awards in Dublin, headlining a stellar cast of racing's elite being honoured for their achievements.
Galopin Des Champs has been crowned Horse of the Year following his consecutive triumphs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup for owner Audrey Turley, trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend. The champion steeplechaser's season included victory in the Gr.1 Savills Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.
Presenting the industry award, HRI Chairman Nicky Hartery lauded the Aga Khan's impact, saying: "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."
Emerging talent award recipient James Ryan marked his breakthrough season with 33 winners, including a milestone Group race victory aboard the Danny Murphy-trained Ostraka at Dundalk. The Oldtown, County Dublin native's achievements included winning the Apprentice Derby at the Curragh.
Aidan O'Brien's remarkable year earned him the Flat Award, securing his 27th Irish trainers' championship and seventh British title. His standard-bearer City Of Troy delivered a record-extending tenth Epsom Derby success, while Auguste Rodin's Royal Ascot victory marked O'Brien's 400th Group One or Grade One winner.
The National Hunt sphere saw Mullins creating history as the first Irish-based trainer in seven decades to claim the British jumps title. His Cheltenham Festival dominance continued with nine winners, including State Man in the Champion Hurdle, pushing his festival total beyond 100 winners.
Tom Gibney claimed the National Hunt Achievement Award following Intense Raffles' Irish Grand National victory at Fairyhouse, echoing his 2012 triumph with Lion Na Bearnai. Point-to-Point honours went to Fermanagh-based David Christie, whose stable star Winged Leader contributed nine victories to his impressive tally of 19 open division wins.
The Flat Achievement Award recognised Gerry Keane's management of Crystal Black, who remained unbeaten in five starts, including a memorable Royal Ascot triumph in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes under Colin Keane, followed by Gr.3 success in the Xin Gin Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown.
Fairyhouse Racecourse emerged as Racecourse of the Year through a combined public and industry voting system, while JJ Slevin's masterful handling of Nurburgring in the Galway Hurdle secured the Ride of the Year accolade.
Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive Suzanne Eade concluded: "It was an honour to celebrate Irish racing and breeding this evening and give due recognition to those who make our industry the incredible success it is. We owe His Highness the Aga Khan so much and I hope that tonight's recognition goes some way towards acknowledging his immense contribution, wonderful generosity and an unwavering support of our industry."