The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association celebrates the achievements of National Hunt breeders
As the National Hunt world gathered in Doncaster for the Goffs UK Spring Sales, the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) celebrated a remarkable year for National Hunt breeders at the TBA NH Breeders’ Celebration Dinner on Monday evening. The event, generously sponsored by Goffs UK, saw nine awards presented to British breeders in recognition of their success during the 2015-16 National Hunt racing season.
The award winners were decided by a secret ballot of the TBA NH Committee, who voted from the three nominees within each category. Committee members were asked to select the horse whose results during the season had, in their opinion, most enhanced the prestige of British NH Breeding.
Master of Ceremonies, Nick Luck, led guests through each award, listing those shortlisted before revealing the winners. The first award of the night, The Pitchall Trophy for the leading Chaser, was won by Cue Card for breeder Roland Crellin. Cue Card’s key performances including the King George VI Chase, Betfred Bowl, Betfair Chase and the Charlie Hall Chase.
The Shade Oak Trophy for leading Hurdler saw Scarlett Knipe invited on to the stage to accept the award for Thistlecrack’s impressive season. When speaking to host Nick Luck, Scarlett Knipe acknowledged the significance of the British NH breeding industry and the importance of racing mares. She recalled the time when Ardstown and Plaid Maid raced each other on the track, and how they have both subsequently forged successful careers as broodmares.
The Mickley Trophy for leading Novice Chaser was presented by trainer Nicky Henderson to Mary Morrison for Blaklion – the winner of this year’s Grade 1 RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
Bill Bromley was delighted to retain the Highflyer Trophy once again in 2016, for leading Novice Hurdler Yanworth. The Yorton Trophy for leading NH Flat Horse went to Pleasure Palace Racing for Ballyandy, followed by the Overbury Trophy (leading Chase Mare), which was presented to Henry Daly for Kayfleur.
Flute Bowl was awarded the Birch Farm Stud & DGS Horse Transport Trophy on behalf of breeder C E Stedman for leading Hurdles Mare.
Simon and Helen Plumbly were delighted to receive the penultimate award, the Beech Tree Trophy for the leading Novice Hurdles Mare, Briery Queen. The winner of three Novice Hurdles, including the Listed EBF/TBA Mares’ ‘National Hunt’ Novices Hurdle Finale at Newbury in April this year.
The last award of the evening, the Mill House Trophy for leading NH Flat Mare, was presented to sisters Charlotte and Debbie Potter who accepted the award on behalf of their parents for Kayf Grace.
TBA Chief Executive Louise Kemble said: “The event was a resounding success and the TBA would like to congratulate all of the evening’s winners and nominees. The 2015-16 racing season has been extremely successful for British breeders and it is especially pleasing to see the top three earning positions filled by domestically bred horses. The TBA would also like to thank all award sponsors and supporters, including Goffs UK and event host Nick Luck.”