Y8 AWARDS PRESENTATION

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HORSE OF THE YEAR

SKYWARD The legendary Skyward did not disappoint in her final year of racing, pulling out another four Feature wins in the distance category. Predominantly, she raced in GII territory, beating rival Constellation almost every time they met to take the Secretariat Derby and Summer Mile for herself. Wins against Open company were a little harder to find, but drew a crowd every time. Most memorable this year is her stunning performance in the Virtue Treble; though she came in second-best in the Charity Derby, no one will soon forget this mare.

CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD

VANQUISHED This year saw a load of talented two year olds step out onto the track, with three of them standing out of the crowd. Voting was close, but it was the King's Park filly Vanquished who came out on top, narrowly beating down colts He's A Pirate and her full brother Conquistador.
By Hall of Fame inductee Challenger and out of champion sprinter Autumn Fun (also HoF), Vanquished swept the sprinters off their feet on the dirt, easily holding her own against the older horses. This pint-sized chestnut filly took two Features this season; the Queen Elizabeth Stakes for juveniles, and the Fantasia Open against older horses. Vanquished is expected to return in the Hollinsworth Prelude next year against others her age.

CHAMPION THREE YEAR OLD

THE WILD LIFE Though she didn't command attention in her debut as a two year old last season, this filly from Flat Creek Racing has really stepped it up this year. A sprinter on the dirt, The Wild Life was a long-shot who proved her worth in the Summer Oaks, though conceded two and a half lengths for third in the Fantasia Open.

CHAMPION OLDER MALE

CONSTELLATION Though he barely did enough for Horse of the Year nomination this year, Constellation ran consistently throughout the season, proving that he still has it; and with the absence of Skyward for his final season, things are looking to improve. This colt had a hard time of it this year, always second-best to the mighty mare, but pulled out an impressive two length win in the Summer Stakes to defend his title. Places in the GII Summer Mile and Secretariat Derby secured his place in the awards, and Constellation is expected to return as a six year old.

CHAMPION OLDER FEMALE

SKYWARD Skyward has done it again in her final season, winning a massive four Features with a place to spare. This year, she ruled over GII territory, claiming titles in both the Secretariat Derby and Summer Mile, both times over rival Constellation. She was also aimed at the Treble again this year, after her victory in all three races two years ago, and almost did it again, winning the Honesty by two lengths before being beaten down by a half-length by the other short-priced runner, Eastern Expression in the Charity Derby, the biggest upset of the year. Skyward was back on form in the Hope Plate though, storming home to beat Eastern Expression by two and a half lengths and end her career on a win.

SIRE OF THE YEAR

CHALLENGER Though not overly popular as a stud in the last two years, Challenger's first crop of foals have proved his worth in their track debut, blowing the field away especially in the sprint divisions. This crop comprises of three talented two year olds; two fillies named Vanquished and Rocket Away, and a colt - Conquistador. All performed brilliantly, Rocket Away winning the Summer Turf Juvenile and placing in the competitive Summer Turf Classic; Conquistador winning the ADT Handicap and Run For The Diamonds; and Vanquished on top of the dirt sprints with the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Fantasia Open. In addition, all three two year olds were nominated for Champion Two Year Old.

STABLE OF THE YEAR

FLAT CREEK RACING Flat Creek have unleashed the storm this year, it seems, with a bunch of talented two year olds as well as old favourites carrying their colours on the track. Horse of the Year, Champion Three Year Old, Champion Older Female and Sire of the Year have already been awarded to them, marking horses such as the legendary Skyward, smart sprinter The Wild Life and Conquistador (a son of Challenger) as some of the best of the year. Mentions of course must also be given to Rocket Away (one to look out for in the Treble in the future), Mindset (fought valiantly against the might of Vanquished in the Juvenile division) and Fiorion (a well-known name around the track), all of which gained nominations for awards.

BREEDER OF THE YEAR

FERNDALE FARMS One of the greatest topics of the year are the yearling and foal crops of Ferndale Farms. Of the foals, Tia Dalma (Spiritway x Hoist the Colours) looks to be a promising filly, along with Banshee (Daemon x Pennip) and the interestingly-coloured Boreas (Talon x Magneta).