Harrington and Whelan scoop top honours at the Curragh awards

The feats achieved by Jessica Harrington and Ronan Whelan at Irish racing's HQ this season were acknowledged at the Curragh awards on Monday when the trainer and jockey emerged as the big winners on the night.

Harrington scooped the prize for the leading training performance of the season for her management of brilliant Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Alpha Centauri and I’m So Fancy, a winner of three races at the track this season.

Whelan topped the riding performance category for his exploits aboard Skitter Skatter and Sea The Lion.

The special achievement awards were presented to Dr Adrian McGoldrick for his contribution to the Curragh and Irish horseracing through his role as IHRB chief medical officer, and Curragh foreman Pat Webb along with his groundstaff team.

It was a case of normal service being resumed in the leading trainers' category as Aidan O’Brien took the prize after recording 34 winners, amounting to just over €3.3 million in total prize-money.

Donnacha O’Brien was crowned the leading jockey with 19 victories, while Sue Magnier was leading owner with 35 winners.

Derek McGrath, CEO of the Curragh, said: “We've witnessed excellent racing and great performances throughout our 2018 season with 41 individual trainers, 40 individual jockeys and 101 owners visiting the winner’s enclosure this year.

“Our races were strongly contested this season, highlighted by 1,614 runners who competed for just over €10 million in total prize-money, while there were 73 overseas runners.”

He added: "We have appreciated the tremendous support of the racing industry over the past two years and look forward to working closely with all stakeholders as we approach a very exciting and historic year for the racecourse.”

Curragh Racing Award Winners 2018

Leading Riding Performance Ronan Whelan

Leading Training Performance Jessica Harrington

Special Achievement Award Pat Webb and team

Special Achievement Award Adrian McGoldrick

Leading Owner Sue Magnier

Leading Trainer Aidan O’Brien

Leading Jockey Donnacha O’Brien

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