Tally-Ho Stud enters ITBA hall of fame at Irish industry awards

An incredible spell for Tally-Ho Stud reached a crescendo on Sunday when its owners Tony and Anne O'Callaghan were inducted into the hall of fame at the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's national breeding and racing awards of 2021.

The popular event returned to a live version at The Heritage in Killenard after a two-year gap, with more than 300 attendees and others watching the live stream.

The O'Callaghans had earlier taken another of the awards, the Goffs-sponsored prize for joint two-year-old colt of the year, as breeders of the Middle Park and Prix Morny winner Perfect Power. The award was shared with Ben Sangster for the exciting Luxembourg.

Tally-Ho, home to an elite roster of stallions including Kodiac and Mehmas, is a formidable operation in almost every aspect of the thoroughbred industry and the long-held family concern in County Westmeath joins recent inductees such as the Irish National Stud, JP McManus and John O'Connor of Ballylinch Stud.

The Wild Geese trophy, for members of the Irish diaspora who have represented their home country on the world stage with distinction, has long been a particularly cherished prize. It was awarded to Gabriel and Aisling Duignan, who have become quite a power couple in the American bloodstock industry.

Known universally as 'Spider', Gabriel Duignan was president of Castleton Lyons in Lexington after arriving from Ireland and a founding partner in Paramount Sales, and runs Springhouse Farm with wife Aisling, director of sales for Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.

The year’s contribution to the industry award was another popular result as it was given to bloodstock agent David Minton, who was a director of the Curragh Bloodstock Agency before his long-standing partnership with Anthony Bromley as Highflyer Bloodstock.

His success stories include Grand National heroes Hedgehunter, Party Politics and Ballabriggs, as well as the likes of Altior, Sprinter Sacre and Bobs Worth.

ITBA Awards - the roll of honour

Novice Hurdler of the Year, sponsored by Arqana: Appreciate It (Barmakin Ltd and South Lodge Stud)

Novice Chaser of the Year, sponsored by Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurance: Shishkin (Clive and Eileen Bennett)

Hurdler of the Year, sponsored by Declan Landy Fencing: Flooring Porter (Sean Murphy)

Chaser of the Year, sponsored by Rathbarry Stud: Minella Indo (Anne Lalor)

National Hunt Mare of the Year, sponsored by Coolmore Stud: Colreevy (Niall Flynn)

Small Breeder of the Year, sponsored by Weatherbys: Patrick Burns of Newlands House Stud

Two-Year-Old Filly of the Year, sponsored by Tattersalls Ireland: Flotus (Newtown Stud and Timothy Pabst)

Two-Year-Old Colt of the Year, sponsored by Goffs: Perfect Power (Tally-Ho Stud) & Luxembourg (Ben Sangster)

Three-Year-Old Filly of the Year, sponsored by Darley: Alcohol Free (Churchtown House Stud) & Suesa (Thomastown Farm)

Three-Year-Old Colt of the Year, sponsored by Ballylinch Stud: Adayar (Godolphin)

Next Generation Award, sponsored by ITBA Next Generation: (Laurence and Michael Gleeson of Aughamore Stud)

Wild Geese Award, sponsored by the Irish National Stud: Gabriel and Aisling Duignan

Contribution to the Industry Award, sponsored by The Irish Field: David Minton

Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Horse Racing Ireland: Julian Lloyd

Hall of Fame, sponsored by the ITBA: Tony and Anne O'Callaghan

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