breednet.com.au

RAcing NSW Announce Australian Horse of the Year Finalists

Media Release - Monday September 27

Racing NSW has today revealed the finalists for the seven categories in the 2020/21 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards.

With COVID restrictions remaining in place, this year’s ceremony will be broadcast live via Sky Thoroughbred Central on Monday, 11 October 2021.

The awards acknowledge performances on Australian racecourses, as well as international performances by Australian-trained horses for the period 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2021.

The finalists in each category received the most votes from more than 70 of the nation’s most respected racing media and handicappers.

Each category finalist is eligible for the Australian Racehorse of the Year title, one of two major awards on the night, the other being Racing NSW’s prestigious Bart Cummings Medal. Racing NSW’s Awards for Excellence will also be announced during the ceremony and apart from the Bart Cummings Medal, the TJ Smith award, George Moore award, Theo Green award, Sydney Strapper of the Year, BOBS Horse of the Year and the Caryl Williamson Racing Writer’s Media Personality of the Year will be announced.

Advertisement

In the national awards, an elite group of young gallopers are the five finalists in the Champion Two-Year-Old title: Anamoe, Artorius, Converge, Shaquero and Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside.

Similarly, the Champion Three-Year-Old Colt or Gelding has some exciting performers headed by triple Derby winner Explosive Jack, along with Mo’unga, Ole Kirk, Rothfire and Wild Ruler.

Queensland Oaks heroine Duais heads the list for the Champion Three-Year-Old filly, along with Australian Oaks winner Hungry Heart, Instant Celebrity, Montefilia and September Run.

Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Addeybb leads the charge in the Champion Middle Distance category (1401m-2199m), with others vying for the award being Arcadia Queen, Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet, multiple group 1-winning mare Verry Elleegant and Zaaki.

The Champion Sprinter could go to any one of the five outstanding finalists: Behemoth, Bivouac, The Everest winner Classique Legend, Eduardo or the flying Nature Strip.

The Champion Stayer category (2200m+) is headed by Explosive Jack, with other contenders, Tancred Stakes winner Sir Dragonet, Melbourne Cup winner Twilight Payment, classy mare Verry Elleegant winner of the Caulfield Cup, and the vastly improved Zaaki.
 
Grand National Hurdle winner Ablaze heads the list of the Champion Jumper, with others including Gold Medals, Saunter Boy, Social Element and Zed Em.
 
Chris Waller has clinched the Champion Group 1 Trainer award with James McDonald claiming the Champion Group 1 Jockey title.
 
Written Tycoon, sire of award contenders Ole Kirk and Odeum, is Australia’s Champion Stallion with many of his sons now forging their own successful careers at stud.
 
 
Advertisment
More Reading...
Cambridge Stud Announce 2024 Fees
Off the back of announcing a world class addition to the 2024 stallion line-up, Cambridge Stud has announced service fees for its full roster.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday April 24
Here is the full list of 47 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
The Autumn Sun Injured
Fresh from siring his first Group I winner in ATC Australian Oaks winner Autumn Angel, The Autumn Sun has suffered a pelvic injury with Arrowfield Stud hopeful he will make a full recovery before the breeding season starts on September 1.
Kiwi Trained Invincible Mare Imwonderfultonight Headed for Adelaide G1
Sam Mynott has been ticking up the air miles over the Tasman Sea this week and she is hoping it will all be worth it when she lines up her first horse in Australia on Saturday.
Pedigree Watch – UK -3YO - Derby Hopeful
Spring is in the air in the UK with the Listed Betfred Blue Riband Trial (1m2f) run at Epsom overnight and there was some Aussie interest with Chief Little Rock, a Galileo colt from Australian Group I winning Fastnet Rock mare Amicus engaged, but he came up short finishing third to a promising colt by Sea the Stars.
Fastnet Rock Blueblood Wins on Debut
Royally-bred Fastnet Rock filly My Xanadu still has plenty to learn, which adds further merit to her winning debut in the Roderick Insurance Maiden Plate (1212m) at Geelong on Wednesday.
Vinery Stud Announce 2024 Fees
Hawaii Five Oh is an exciting newcomer to Vinery Stud’s seven-strong roster and breeders will be pleased to know that there have been no service fee increases to the line-up this year.
Shall Be Takes Aim at Inglis Challenge
The promising 2-year-old Shalaa (IRE) colt Shall Be will target the $200,000 Inglis Challenge to be run on May 17 at Scone Racecourse after breaking his maiden in the New Era Technology Maiden Plate at Newcastle on Wednesday.
$300,000 Mare in Foal to Too Darn Hot Tops Inglis Digital
Brae Sokolski secured the top lot in tonight’s ‘full’ Inglis Digital April (Late) Sale, buying proven broodmare Molto Allegro - in foal to Too Darn Hot – from the Oakland Park reduction for $300,000.
Twin Hills Stud Fees 2024 Unchanged – Test Your Mares with Hypo Matings
Twin Hills Stud have a great mix of the proven and promising showcased in their five strong roster with fees to remain unchanged this year.