Could there be a more deserving recipient of this award? I think not - Sarah Kate Quinlivan from Cork has represented her country on Ponies, as a Junior rider and a Young Rider and she is another of the coming crop of exceptional Irish riders who has made her name on the senior circuit both nationally and internationally, having her first Nations Cup start this year.

This quiet young lady goes about her business in a highly professional way as she combines riding and university where she is studying dentistry.

Sarah Kate rides Billy Daly's mare, Newmarket Girl and she came so close this year to winning the IJM Timber Frame Grand Prix Champion, being pipped at the post by Cian O'Connor for that title but she collected some firsts along the way. Sarah Kate won three Grand Prix's in a row which is a feat not achieved before!

When Sarah Kate was announced as the winner this year the packed Ballroom at Killashee House Hotel had the rafters lifted as everyone screamed their approval of this award, which was so obviously hers after a sensational season.

No doubt 2006 will see this combination continue in the Nations Cup series on the Irish team after their Nations Cup start in Athens this year.

Sarah Kate thanked her owner Billy Daly for having faith in her and not selling the horse and thanked her parents for their continued support and "paying the bills" an then went on to thank her sisters and paid special tribute to the help Natalie had given her throughout the year.

Billy Daly was also honoured with Leading Horse of the Year and also Leading Breeder for Newmarket Girl. Unfortunately Billy couldn't make it to the Ball this year due to prior committments.