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