It was all about Pride of Jenni at the star-studded Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards last night at the Wolf Blass Event Centre at Morphettville Racecourse.
The Ottobre family took to the stage twice as the super mare claimed Champion Middle Distance horse and the overall Australian Racehorse of the Year for 2023/2024.
Clearly a standout with the judges, the multiple Group 1 winner etched her name in history in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the champion once again edged out her rivals in the Middle Distance category over Mr Brightside, Fangirl and Romantic Warrior. The Ottobre family paid an emotional tribute to their daughter Jenni who displayed those same unique qualities and told the audience of how her memory lives on through this wonderful mare.
The results in all other categories were close, in particular the three year old fillies’ category with Stefi Magnetica taking out the gong over Tropical Squall in the narrowest of margins.
Owner and Breeder Mitch Cunningham said of Stefi Magnetica “her progression has been enormous, Bjorn’s belief in her is enormous and she has quickly gone to another level in her bid for the Everest.”
The Champion 3 year old Colt/gelding went to none other than the late Riff Rocket, with Debbie Keptitis sharing with the crowd what a beautiful but short life he had, with 7 wins, ridden by 7 different jockeys naming them all in her touching tribute to the dual derby winner.
It was also a momentous night for James Cummings and Godolphin taking out Champion 2 year old with their exceptional colt Broadsiding. The scintillating youngster was a clear favourite with the judges over his nearest rivals, Lady of Camelot and Storm Boy and is set to make his mark in the Caulfield Guineas this weekend.
In other categories, the mighty Imperatriz took out top gong for Champion Sprinter, daughter of I am Invincible who also claimed the Australian Champion Sire for the Season for the fourth year running.
There was never any doubt with Champion Stayer Without A Fight taking out the top award and Stern Idol claiming back to back victories in the Champion Jumps category.
Chris Waller who amassed a brilliant 12 Group 1 victories for the season once again was honoured with the title “Champion Group 1 Trainer” praised his wonderful staff and shared with the crowd, “the thrills are not only on the big days but on the Wednesday meetings, and it is the support from each other that drives us. Racing is 52 weeks of the year – it’s an addiction and it all starts with the grass roots, supporting and motivating each other.”
James McDonald was represented by his manager Mark Guest, who had the crowd in stiches with stories of the remarkable hoop and what qualities he possessed to stay at that elite level, claiming the title of Champion Group 1 Jockey for the fourth straight year.
Hosts Jason Richardson and Nicki Barnet praised Racing South Australia for the magnificent night and the 70 strong judges around the country who made the annual event possible.
Racing Australia Release
