Champion galloper Dundeel has defeated a quality
field of equine talent to secure the title of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Horse
of the Year for season 2013/14.
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