NZ Thoroughbred Awards evening a celebration of excellence

The evening of Thursday 14th August saw the 2014 renewal of the Annual NZ Thoroughbred Awards, also known as The Horse of The Year Event. A true celebration of excellence, this occasion honours outstanding achievements in the Thoroughbred industry, both human and equine, over the previous racing season.

Fortuna Thoroughbred Syndicators Director John Galvin and his wife, Jessica, hosted a number of Fortuna clients at the event which saw Lisa Latta crowned as Trainer of the Year and Matt Cameron  Jockey of the Year,  with both Lisa and Matt being first time winners of these prestigious awards,

As expected, the dominance of the 4yo Galloper, DUNDEEL (aka ITS A DUNDEEL), in Australia this past season, saw him crowned as Horse of The Year as well as winning the Champion Middle Distance award. Outstanding performances in both NZ and Australia saw the Melbourne Cup bound SILENT ACHIEVER earn the Champion Stayer Award.

Other awards of note were BOUNDING win the Champion Sprinter Award, VESPA the Champion Two year Old Award, PUCCINI the Champion Three Year Old Award while COSTA VIVA took out the coveted Filly of the Year. A regular visitor to the winners podium was Valachi Downs supremo, Kevin Hickman, who won the Owner and Breeder of the Year awards, Kevin being the Breeder and Owner of SILENT ACHIEVER. Veteran Jockey, DAVID WALSH, who during the season established a record for the most career races ever won by a jockey in NZ, was awarded the very prestigious and sought after Outstanding Contribution to Racing award.

Joining John and Jessica at the Fortuna table were Fortuna clients Rick and Anne Middleton, Shane and Marianne Thomsen and Mick and Wendy Willock with Mark and Sarah Chitty from Haunui Stud joining us at the table.