Horse Racing - Pat Smullen

In Horse Racing, the Texaco Award goes to jockey Pat Smullen. In what proved to be a fantastic year for the Offaly jockey, Smullen won the Budweiser Derby riding ‘Grey Swallow’ and then partnered ‘Vinnie Roe’ to a remarkable fourth successive Irish St. Leger. In the Derby, he showed great judgement and timing as he took ‘Grey Swallow’ clear from one furlong out to beat the hot favourite and English Derby winner ‘North Light’ at the Curragh. The 10-1 shot, trained by Dermot Weld, won by half a length from the odds-on favourite with rank outsider ‘Tycoon’ in third place. The celebrations continued in September when Smullen partnered another Weld horse ‘Vinnie Roe’ to a record fourth successive Irish St Leger with a convincing success over 12 rivals at the Curragh. The six-year-old stormed clear with two furlongs to run and Pat was able to celebrate well before the 7-2 joint favourite crossed the line. He is married to successful trainer, Frances Crowley.