Nina one ahead in title race
Nina Carberry is facing a battle to retain her champion lady rider title for 2015/2016 as the national hunts season heads into the home straight at Punchestown next week.
With the season coming to a close at the end of the Irish National Hunt Festival at Punchestown on Saturday 30th April, reigning leading lady rider, Nina Carberry is just one win clear of nearest rival Sarah O’Brien as she bids to retain her title.
Nina has ridden 18 winners* and Sarah is a close challenger with 17 winners from 37 rides that leaves her with an impressive strike rate of 46 per cent.
The winner will be presented with the specially-commissioned Mary Hyde trophy.
In the other categories, With 102 winners so far this season, current champion jockey, Ruby Walsh remains 10 clear of Gigginstown House Stud’s retained rider, Bryan Cooper on 92.
Although Ruby is currently side-lined with a hairline fracture to his wrist, Ruby is optimistic that he will be cleared to return in time for the Irish National Hunt Festival next week.
If Ruby is crowned champion jockey for the 11th time, he will beat the current record which he shares with Frank Berry.
Champion National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins, who is closely contesting the British National Hunt trainers title, has trained 169 winners in Ireland this season, leaving him guaranteed to retain his title. His closest rival, Gordon Elliott has also enjoyed a very successful season with 119 winners so far.
Gigginstown House Stud looks to have an unassailable lead over JP McManus in the Owner’s Championship with close to €1 million in prize-money separating them. They are set to be crowned champion owners for the fourth time, after a fantastic season highlighted by winning their second BoyleSports Irish Grand National in a row.
Patrick Mullins has once again dominated the amateur ranks with 44 wins, well clear of Nina Carberry and Sarah O’Brien in second and third place. Patrick won the title of Champion Amateur Rider for the first time in 2007/2008 and has retained it every season since. Mullins is quickly closing in on 450 career winners as he chases Ted Walsh’s record tally of 545.
Sixteen-year-old Jack Kennedy from Dingle who rides predominantly for the Gordon Elliott stable, looks certain to win the conditional jockey’s title with 42 winning rides over the season so far.
Kennedy is 13 ahead of David Mullins and Donagh Meyler is in third place with 24 wins.
The six champions will receive the awards in the parade ring at Punchestown on the Saturday (30th April) at approximately 4pm.
*includes Qualified Riders Flat races under Rules of Racing