Ballylinch Stud in Co Kilkenny was named as the winner of the Connolly’s Red Mills/The Irish Field Breeder of the Year Award last week.

This is the ninth year of this prestigious award and the stallion farm and breeding operation adds its name to a list that already includes Barronstown Stud, Jim Bolger, Lodge Park Stud, Sunderland Holdings (Tsui family), Ballymacoll Stud, Jack Ronan and Des Vere Hunt, John Tuthill and Tally-Ho Stud.

The 12 monthly winners were the breeders of Sky Lantern, Lethal Force, Astaire, Chriselliam, Joshua Tree, Fiorente, Defy Logic, Knockara Beau, Ballycasey, Lord Windermere, Beat That and Dan Excel.

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Leo Powell, managing editor of The Irish Field, was joined on the night by brothers Joe and Bill Connolly of Connolly’s Red Mills to honour the winners and announce the overall winner.

Jenny Howes and John O’Connor received the award for the exploits of European champion filly Chriselliam, who landed Group/Grade 1 two-year-old races in Europe and the USA. In his own name, John O’Connor also collected a monthly prize as the breeder of Astaire.

Connolly’s Red Mills confirmed that it will continue sponsoring the awards. The awards are voted for by readers of The Irish Field, which has been serving the equine industry since it was established in 1870.