2007/2008 AWARD WINNERS

On September 12 the Owners & Breeders Awards night was held at ‘Champions’ with all in attendance enjoying a wonderful evening that saw a number of worthy winners acknowledged for feats of excellence in the 2007/2008 season.

John Ingleton Memorial Champion Stallion - Bel Esprit (Eliza Park)

In only his second season with progeny racing Bel Esprit has capped off a remarkable season taking out this prestigious award. After a close second in his first season it was just reward for the Eliza Park resident who took all before him on the track as a 2yo winning the triple crown of juvenile races in Victoria. The Mick Price trained Bel Mer was the best performed of his progeny taking out two stakes races during the season.

Stable Financial Champion Freshman Sire – Statue of Liberty (Blue Gum Farm)

Champion Victorian Broodmare Sire – Last Tycoon (Blue Gum Farm)

Statue of Liberty finally won the battle for line honours after a season long tussle with Hold That Tiger and Estambul.  The Blue Gum Farm resident joins the likes of Encosta de Lago and Rubiton as winners of stallion awards resulting from the Euroa property. Dan Baroness was his leading earner for the season.

It was a double treat for Blue Gum Farm with Last Tycoon taking out his third Champion Broodmare Sire title. Sons and daughters of this great sire are forging a sensational record with the likes of Casino Prince amongst his grand progeny.

Gallagher Bassett Leading Victorian Breeder – Makybe Racing and Breeding

After settling in Victoria only a few years ago the Tony Santic owned Makybe Racing and Breeding operation has taken out the coveted leading breeder award. It caps off a remarkable 5 years for Tony and his team with 3 Melbourne Cups in his cabinet and a number of high priced yearlings selling at sales in the past couple of years. Amongst his black type winners last season were the G1 VRC Oaks heroine Arapaho Miss and the exciting 2yo Exceedingly Good.

TBV Leading Small Breeder

Paul Radford and Robyn Lawrie & Steven Dick and Partners

This year sees a tie for the leading small breeder award with the breeders of Apache Cat and Riva San taking out the award. Both horses had stellar seasons with the ‘Cat’ winning 5 Group 1’s and Riva San doing the almost impossible winning the G1 Queensland Oaks and Derby double.

Winning Edge Presentations Champion Broodmare – Tennessee Blaze

It comes as no surprise that the dam of Apache Cat, Tennessee Blaze, takes out this award. Owned by Paul Radford and Robyn Lawrie she joins the likes of Finneto who won back to back awards thanks to Fields of Omagh.

Super VOBIS Awards

Leading Trainer – David Hayes

Winners included Acosta at Flemington.

Leading Owner – Contract Racing

Winners included Spirited Halo at Sandown.

Leading Nominator – Contract Racing

Nominated the stakes performed Miss Marielle to SV.

SV Horse of the Year – Apache Cat

Nominated by Paul Radford & Robyn Laurie

SV leading Bonus Earner – Princess Gisella

Collected three metropolitan winning bonuses during the season and a further three metropolitan placings.

Country Horse of the Year – Dabero’s Jag

Wins included a Country Showcase bonus at Mildura.

Country Trainer of the Year – Darren Weir

Winners included Thetoppie at Geelong.

Country Owner of the Year – Kevin & Tanith O’Brien

Winners included Eight Reals at Warrnambool.