A spectacular season that was highlighted by the lowering of the hitherto unbeaten Atlantic Jewel's colours when winning the Underwood Stakes and victory in the A$4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes, saw the son of High Chaparral take the coveted title at the expense of high-class mare Silent Achiever.
The connections of Dundeel received the award at New Zealand Thoroughbred
Racing's glittering Horse of the Year Awards, held in Hamilton on Thursday
night. Part owner Murray Andersen spoke on behalf of the syndicate and admitted
the award was a "dream come true"."He has been a sensational horse, great for New Zealand and this is the pinnacle," he said.
"I think the win over Atlantic Jewel was the highlight of a career of which there have been many.
"I know Coolmore Stud thought she was unbeatable that day so for the New Zealand industry, this was one for us."
Dundeel had earlier taken out the Champion Middle Distance Award, again over Silent Achiever, and secured the top title with 28 of the 46 total votes cast with Silent Achiever receiving the remaining 18.
Prepared by the Cambridge duo of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Dundeel retired to Arrowfield Stud this season having finished his racing career with a record of 10 wins, including six Group Ones, from 19 starts and A$6.33m in total stakes earnings.
Silent Achiever secured the Champion Stayer award courtesy of a breathtaking victory over Dundeel and Fiorente in The BMW (2400m) at Randwick, on top of Group One victories over the middle distance of 2000m in both the New Zealand Stakes and Ranvet Stakes.
The deeds of Silent Achiever and brilliant juvenile Vespa, who took out the Champion Two-Year-Old title, provided the catalyst for Valachi Downs principal Kevin Hickman to win the coveted Breeder of the Year crown.
The prestigious award for Outstanding Contribution to Racing was presented to David Walsh, who in April overtook Lance O'Sullivan's long-standing record for the most wins as a jockey in New Zealand after a long and distinguished career that has continued in the new season.
Other notable winners on the evening included Bounding, who was named Sprinter of the Year, Puccini who took the Three-Year-Old of the Year title, while Rangatira was named Jumper of the Year for his breathtaking wins in both the Great Northern and Wellington Steeplechase.
Waikato Stud's remarkable sire O'Reilly swept all three of the stallion awards – the Grosvenor, Dewar and Centaine Awards – for the second year running. - NZ Racing Desk
