The Equus Awards, South African horseracing's annual showpiece event to honour the equine and human superstars of the industry, took place at the glamorous Emperor's Palace Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The big winner of the evening was the Horse of the Year, Champion Three year old Colt and Champion Middle Distance Horse, Legislate. The Vodacom July winner was bred by Cheveley Stud.
The evening was punctuated by a stunning War Horse show was the highlight of the entertainment part of the evening. The wonderful artistic impression of the horse was something to behold.
Smanga Khumalo did what most people thought would be impossible to achieve and became the first black Jockey to win the jockeys title. "Bling" was the toast of the awards and his achievement will be recognised for years to come as possibly a watershed day for the industry.
The two year old titles controversially went to Majmu and Harry's Son, both Australian breds. The Champion Breeder title was won by Klawervlei Stud who broke Summerhill Stud's long title reign.
Interestingly the triple crown winner, Louis the King, didn't win a single award.
The winners were...
Two Year Old Colt/ Gelding
• Harry’s Son (AUS)
Two Year Old Filly
• Majmu (AUS)
Three Year Old Colt/ Gelding
• Legislate
Three Year Old Filly
• In the Fast Lane
Champion Older Male
• Yorker
Champion Older Filly/Mare
• Beach Beauty
Champion Sprinter (1000-1200m)
• Via Africa
Champion Miler (1400-1600m)
• Capetown Noir
Champion Middle Distance Horse (1800-2200m)
• Legislate
Champion Stayer (2400m and up)
• Hot Ticket
Other categories that will feature at the Equus Awards include:
International Horse Achievement
Variety Club and Vercingetorix
Outstanding Stallion
Dynasty
Champion Stallion
Jet Master
Champion Broodmare
Star of Arcole
Champion Breeder
Klawervlei Stud
Special Achievement
Markus Jooste
Print Media Award
David Mollett
TV Media Award
Andrew Bon
Apprentice of the Year
Akash Aucharuz
Champion Jockey
Smanga Khumalo
Champion Trainer
Justin Snaith
Owner of the Year
Markus and Ingrid Jooste
Horse of the Year
Legislate
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