IT was no surprise that Hawwaam was announced the Champion Horse of the Season during the Racing Association (RA) Feature Season Awards.
The annual awards were held at Turffontein Racecourse, where the winners of the various categories were announced.
Hawwaam walked away with the laurels in three categories, including the Champion Horse of the Season.
Champion Jockey of the Year was taken by Gavin Lerena, who also had a lucrative season. He is also in contention for the Equus Jockey of the Year Award later this year. Champion Trainer of the Year went to Mike de Kock.
The awards are as follows:
Champion Two-year-old: Basadi Faith
Champion Two-year-old: Colt/Gelding: Frosted Gold
Champion Three-year-old: Return Flight
Champion Three-year-old Colt/Gelding: Hawwaam
Champion Older Horse: Tilbury Fort
Champion Sprinter: Pacific Trader
Champion Middle Distance Horse: Hawwaam
Champion Stayer: Samurai Warrior
Leading Gauteng Work Rider: Joe Gwingwhiza
Champion Breeder: Wilgerbosdrift
Champion Apprentice: Dennis Schwartz
Champion Jockey of the Season: Gavin Lerena
Champion Trainer of the Season: Mike de Kock
Champion Horse: Hawwaam
Champion Owner: Wilgerboschdrift and Mauritzfontein
The selection panel was made up of Senior Handicapper Lennon Maharaj, former champion jockey Anthony Delpech and currently indisposed rider Gunter Wrogemann. Larry Wainstein was the non-voting chairperson.