Pat O'Donovan, winner of the Irish Racing Excellence Award at the Irish Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards in 2015, will join the judging committee for the 2016 awards.
2015 Irish Racing Excellence Award Winner Joins 2016 Judging Panel
Pat O'Donovan, winner of the Irish Racing Excellence Award at the Irish Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards in 2015, will join the judging committee for the 2016 awards.
Pat, who is assistant trainer to Jim Bolger is originally from Enniskeane, Bandon, Co. Cork. Over 30 years ago, Pat moved to Kilkenny at age 16 and began working for Jim Bolger. He has been closely involved with the dual Group 1 winning filly Pleascach, world champion New Approach and European champions Teofilo, Dawn Approach and 1992 Irish Derby winner St. Jovite.
Pat will join the existing six committee members who have experience across wide sectors of the industry:
Irish Stablestaff Association Bernard Caldwell, Shane Lyons, Ger Flynn
Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Shane O'Dwyer
Irish Racehorse Trainers Association Michael Grassick
Irish Turf Club Ray Bergin
Horse Racing Ireland Michael O'Rourke, Carol Nolan
Chairman of the Judging Committee, Michael O'Rourke: "After the 2015 awards, it was decided to ask each year's Irish Racing Excellence award winner to join the judging committee for a one year term. Pat will be a great addition to the team. With his length of service to the industry, his knowledge and input will be invaluable."
Pat O'Donovan commented: "Joining the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards judging committee for 2016 adds to the honour of winning my award last year. I'm looking forward to working with the rest of the committee members and hopefully making a useful contribution."
The 2016 awards will take place in the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick on Tuesday evening, 19 April.
