O’Brien, Heffernan Star at Curragh Awards

Trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Seamus Heffernan were among the recipients at the Curragh Racing Awards Nov. 12. O’Brien received the Irish Daily Mail Training Performance while Heffernan was awarded the Riding Performance of the Year Award. They were selected as the finalists from eight monthly winners in their respective categories. O’Brien won for a string of big-race successes in May and September, while Heffernan was recognized for his winning ride on the O’Brien-trained Diamondsandrubies (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the G1 Pretty Polly S. in June. Special achievement awards were also presented to trainers Dermot Weld and Willie Mullins.

John Weld, Chairman of the Curragh Racecourse, commented,

“The Curragh Racecourse enjoyed a very positive year in 2015 with increases in attendance, betting, prize money on offer and international competition and it is important that we celebrate and acknowledge some of the tremendous achievements that have taken place on our track over the past year. We appreciate the significant support of our partners Kildare Village, Tipperary Crystal and the Irish Daily Mail who have all helped us develop the Curragh Racing Awards into a major event in the Irish Racing Calendar.”