Bull Valley (Toreador), unlucky not to be named Equus Champion Sprinter a few weeks ago, gained some compensation when he was voted Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Horse Of The 2016-2017 season.
The award ceremony, which honoured KZN based and trained horses, was held at Durban’s Elangani Hotel on Tuesday night.

Trained by Sean Tarry, Bull Valley was unbeaten in two KZN outings last season, winning both the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint, beating Search Party (Captain Al) by a length and a half, and Gr1 Mercury Sprint, where he again accounted for Search Party as well as the likes of graded stakes winners New Predator (New Approach), Champagne Haze (Kahal), Trip To Heaven (Trippi) and Rivarine (Jet Master), and former Gr1 winners Gulf Storm (Sail From Seattle) and Talktothestars (Overlord).

Other notable winners on Tuesday night included Equus Champion 2YO Filly and last season’s Gr1 Thekwini Stakes winner Lady In Black, who was given the title of Best performance by a Two-Year-Old Filly, while Gr2 Betting World 1900 hero Ten Gun Salute, whose trainer Duncan Howells was named KZN Champion Trainer, won a pair of awards –Best performance by an Older Horse and Best performance Over Middle Distance.

Mayfair Speculators, Anthony Delpech and Klawervlei Stud (all Equus winners) won titles as KZN Champion Owner by stakes, KZN Champion Jockey and KZN Champion Breeder Of The Year respectively.
Bernard Fayd’Herbe won ride of the season, for his winning score aboard Marinaresco (Silvano) in the 2017 Vodacom Durban July.

Best performance by a Two-Year Old Filly: Lady In Black (Dynasty)
Best performance by a Two-Year Old Colt/Gelding: Sand And Sea (Twice Over)
Best performance by a Three-Year Old Filly: Sail (Philanthropist)
Best performance by a Three-Year Old Colt/Gelding: Secret Captain (Captain Al)
Best performance by an Older Horse: Ten Gun Salute (Henrythenavigator)
Best performance by a Sprinter: Sand And Sea (Twice Over)
Best performance over Middle Distance: Ten Gun Salute (Henrythenavigator)
Best performance by a Stayer: Mr Winsome (Silvano)
Horse Of The Season: Bull Valley (Toreador)
Groom of the Season: Mandilakhe Mtwesi
KZN Champion owner by stakes: Mayfair Speculators
KZNOTA Owner of the Year (KZN-based by stakes earned): Roy Moodley
KZN Champion Jockey (Most wins in KZN): Anthony Delpech
KZN Champion Apprentice (Most wins in KZN): Eric Ngwane
KZN Champion Breeder of the Year (Most stake won in KZN): Klawervlei)
KZN Champion Trainer (Number of wins trained in KZN): Duncan Howells
Anita Akal Special Award: Doug and Di Campbell
KZN Racing Personality Of The Year: Deez Dayanand
NHRA Long Service Award: Julie Wilson
Ride of the Season
Bernard Fayd’Herbe – Marinaresco (Vodacom Durban July)