Classic winner Camelot and his jockey, Joseph O'Brien, walked away with top honors Dec. 10 when Horse Racing Ireland held its 10th annual awards program at Leopardstown Racecourse.
A 3-year-old British-bred son of Montjeu, Camelot was named Irish Horse of the Year after becoming only the third horse since 1989 to complete the QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-I) and Investec Epsom Derby (Eng-I) double. His three wins from five starts in 2012 also included a victory in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Ire-I).
Owned by the Coolmore Stud connections of Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, and Mrs. John Magnier, Camelot was trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by his son, Joseph. Following on the heels of his 2011 award as champion flat apprentice jockey, the younger O'Brien was the leading jockey in Ireland last year and was honored with the Flat Award. His father also was among the nominees for the Flat Award won by the younger O'Brien.
Other awards presented by HRI were:
--National Hunt Award, Davy Russell
--Outstanding Achievement, Peter Casey
--Point to Point Award, Colman Sweeney
--Contribution to the Industry Award, Moyglare Stud
--Racecourse of the Year, Ballinrobe
Camelot and Joseph O'Brien.
AP Photo/Tom Hevezi