Aoife Dempsey, Head Girl for Ted and Katie Walsh, received the prestigious Irish Racing Excellence Award – the top accolade at the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ITIEA) supported by Godolphin, the Irish Stable Staff Association, HRI Equuip, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and the Racing Post. The awards took place in the Keadeen Hotel in County Kildare on Tuesday evening.
Dempsey, originally from Kiltullagh in County Galway and now living in Kildare, has worked for the Walshes for three years. Previously, she worked for trainer Ross O'Sullivan for three years before spending some time in Australia. Aoife was recognised for her exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards within the thoroughbred industry. Her contribution earned widespread respect among the ITIEA judging committee, colleagues and industry professionals alike.
Speaking following the award presentation, Dempsey said, “I am incredibly honoured to receive the Irish Racing Excellence Award. Racing is a true team effort, and I've been so fortunate to work for Ted and Katie, who I have learned so much from, along with the entire team in the yard. This award means so much to me, I'm still in shock, especially with the calibre of the other winners in the room.”
Over 200 guests from the racing and breeding community gathered to honour and recognise all nine exceptional winners for their outstanding dedication, skill, and passion. The award recipients were recognised across multiple categories, highlighting contributions ranging from stud and stable management to newcomer achievements, administration and ancillary services along with the racecourse award.
The 2026 Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award individual winners, acknowledged at the award ceremony were:
- Ancillary Award: John Wixted, Stall Handler, Horse Racing Ireland, Ballymany, County Kildare
- Administration Award: Stephanie Kennedy, Marketing, Client Relations and PA, Ballylinch Stud, Thomastown, County Kilkenny
- Newcomer Award: Michelle Mallon, Stud Hand, Newtown Stud, Naas, County Kildare
- Irish Thoroughbred Industry Award winners: David Christie Jr, Assistant Trainer, David Christie, Derrylin, County Fermanagh; Aoife Dempsey, Head Girl, Ted and Katie Walsh, Kill, County Kildare; Jack Madden, Travelling Head Lad, Gordon Elliott, Longwood, County Meath; Brian Moloney, Head Travelling Lad, John McConnell, Stamullen, County Meath; David Porter, Head Lad, Willie Mullins, Closutton, County Carlow
- Racecourse Award: Listowel Racecourse won the Racecourse Award. Chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association, this accolade recognised the County Kerry racecourse's exceptional commitment.
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