Racing Association reward finest equine athletes for their efforts

THE Racing Association rewarded the finest equine athletes for their efforts during the 2017/2018 season on the racing tracks throughout South Africa.

The Equus Awards took place on August 14 at Emperors Palace where jockeys, racing horses and their owners and trainers were honoured for their achievements, and for making racing such a wonderful sport.

The most elite award went to the Champion Owner, Gaynor Rupert. The upcoming young blood jockey, Lyle Hewitson, was named as Champion Jockey and Apprentice of the Year. Klawervlei Stud received the accolade as the Champion Breeder of the Season.

Justin Snaith deservingly claimed the Champion Trainer award and scooped up the Horse of the Year with the Australian bred filly, Oh Susanna. He excelled in both Western Cape and Champion Season in KwaZulu-Natal, achieving impressive milestones.

The new season is dawning and it won’t be long before the new young stock will be gracing the racing tracks in the country.

The nominees were of a high calibre and deserved their place in the limelight. However, this was a highly contested season and only one winner could walk away with various awards on this prestigious event organised by the association.

The Equus Awards winners are:

Champion Two-year-old Colt – Soqrat

Champion Two-year-old Filly – Return Flight

Champion Three-year-old Colt – Do It Again

Champion Three-year-old Filly- Oh Susanna (Australia)

Champion Older Male- Legal Eagle

Champion Older Filly/Mare- Nother Russia

Champion Sprinter (1000 – 1200m) – Will Pays

Champion Miler (1400 -1600) – Legal Eagle

Champion Middle Distance (1800 – 2200) – Oh Susanna (Australia)

Champion Stayer (2400 and over) – It’s my Turn

Champion Owner – Gaynor Rupert

Champion Jockey and Apprentice of the Year – Lyle Hewitson

Champion Breeder – Klawervlei Stud

Champion Stallion – Silvano

Champion Broodmare – Strawberry Lane

For more information on future events, go to www.itsarush.co.za

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