Galway Race Course wins Powers Gold Label Race Course of the Year 2005

Galway Race Course won Race Course of the Year 2005 in the competition voted for by the general public.

Ireland’s horse-racing fraternity came together to honour a number of their peers at a special function in the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday 7th February announcing the Powers Whiskey Racing Awards.

Five other category awards, all voted for by the public, were presented to Owner: Joe Joyce, Trainer; Tom Taaffe, Jockey; Ruby Walsh, Breeder; Michael Bowe, and Stable Staff; Andy Lynch.

Presentations were made by Irish Distillers’ Commercial Director, Peter Gallogly, and Gerry O’Regan, Editor of the Irish Independent.

Peter Gallogly said: “Both Powers Gold Label and horse racing in Ireland are steeped in Irish heritage and tradition, and both are very important in terms of contribution to the economy and the social life of the Irish.   Powers Gold Label’s commitment to horse racing is highlighted through its sponsorship of the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National, the most valuable steeplechase in Ireland as well as one of Ireland’s great sporting occasions”

Each award winner received a bronze sculpture created by fine art sculptor Jarleth Daly.   The award represents three profiles of horses and jockeys which echoes the three swallows on the Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey label.  

Nominations for the Six categories in 2005 were:

  • Owners: Michael O’Leary, Bernie Carroll, Joe Joyce and Sue Magnier
  • Trainers: Noel Meade, Tom Taaffe, Frances Crowley, Aidan O’Brien 
  • Jockeys: Andrew McNamara, Barry Geraghty, Rugby Walsh, Kieren Fallon 
  • Breeders: Michael Bowe, Pat Joyce, Coolmore Stud, Aga Khan 
  • Racecourse: Navan, Leopardstown, Punchestown, Galway 
  • Stable staff: Andy Lynch, Shane Moloney, Robbie Dolan, Paddy Duffy

Powers Whiskey Racing Awards

Back Row: (left to right): Joe Joyce (Owner) Michael Bowe (Breeder)
Front Row (left to right): John Moloney, (Galway Racecourse) Tom Taaffe (Trainer) Ruby Walsh (Jockey) Andy Lynch (Stablestaff)