Annual NZ Horse of the Year Awards
The New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards is held annually and is New Zealand racing’s most prestigious and glamorous occasion where success and excellence in racing is celebrated. With over 20 awards, culminating in the most prestigious of all – the coveted Thoroughbred Horse of the Year award, the awards ceremony also features top-quality entertainment, and five-star cuisine and wine.
2017 Horse of the Year Awards Winners
New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year: Bonneval
Broodmare of the Year: Imposingly
Grosvenor Award, Dewar Stallion Trophy, Centaine Award: Savabeel
Jockey Premiership: Chris Johnson
Trainer Premiership: Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman
Owner Premiership: JML Bloodstock
Media Award: Trish Dunell
Champion Sprinter: Start Wondering
Champion Middle Distance Horse: Kawi
Champion Stayer: Bonneval
Champion Two Year Old: Melody Belle
Champion Three Year Old: Bonneval
Champion Jumper: Kick Back
NZ Strapper of the Year: Joanne Roylands
Apprentice Jockey Premiership: Sam Weatherley
Jockey of the Year: Chris Johnson
Jumps Jockey of the Year: Aaron Kuru
Trainer of the Year: Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman
Owner of the Year: JML Bloodstock
Breeder of the Year: Goodwood Stuf
NZTR Award for Outstanding Contribution to Racing: David Ellis
Horse of the Year 2017: Bonneval
History of the Awards
The Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards were first held in 1991 and they have just completed their 26th celebration. To this day, the Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards is the most prestigious recognition of New Zealand’s top racing performers, both equine and human. The winner of each award category receives a bronze trophy designed by internationally renowned master-sculptor, Gerrard McCabe, and you will most likely recognize many of the nominees from Cox Plate betting.
2016 Horse of the Year Awards Winners
Grosvenor Award, Dewar Stallion Trophy, Centaine Award: Savabeel
Broodmare of the Year: Bagalollies
Breeder of the Year: Sir Patrick & Justine Lady Hogan
NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year: Sofia Rosa
Media Award: Dennis Ryan
McBeath Apprentice Jockey of the Year: Shaun McKay
FastTrack Insurance Jumps Jockey of the Year: Shaun Fannin
FastTrack Insurance Jockey of the Year: Lisa Allpress
Dunstan Trainer of the Year: Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards
FastTrack Insurance Owner of the Year: JML Bloodstock
Champion Jumper: Jack Romanov, Sea King
Champion Two Year Old: Sacred Elixir
Champion Three Year Old: Xtravagant
Champion Sprinter: Turn Me Loose
Champion Middle Distance Horse: Turn Me Loose
Champion Stayer: Mongolian Khan
NZTR Award for Outstanding Global Achievement: Chris Waller
NZTR Award for Outstanding Contribution to Racing: Gerald Fell and Rex Fell
Horse of the Year: Mongolian Khan
2015 Horse of the Year Awards Winners
Grosvenor Award and Dewar Award: Savabeel
Centaine Award: O’Reilly
Broodmare of the Year: Parfore Dam of Terravista & Tiger Tees
Breeder for the Year: IDL Breeding Ltd
NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year: Platinum Witness
Media Award: Brendan Popplewell
McBeath Apprentice Jockey of the Year: Rory Hutchings
Jumps Jockey of the Year: Michael Mitchell
Jockey of the Year: Matthew Cameron
Dunstan Trainer of the Year: Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman
Owner of the Year: Inner Magnolia Rider Horse Industry (NZ) Ltd
Champion Jumper: Amanood Lad
Champion Two Year Old: Marky Mark
Champion Three Year Old: Mongolian Khan
Champion Sprinter: Scared Star
Champion Middle Distance Horse: Soriano
Champion Stayer: James McDonald
NZTR Award for Outstanding Global Achievement: James McDonald
NZTR Award for Outstanding Contribution to Racing: Joe, Martin, Ray, and Tony Dennis
Horse of the Year: Mongolian Khan