The Highveld RA racing awards were conducted at an event held at Turffontein last night with the big winner being Triple Crown star,  Abashiri from the Mike Azzie stable,  crowned as the Horse of the Year. 

Abashiri, who won the SA Derby on Saturday 30 April to take Triple Crown glory, was also awarded as Champion Stayer and Champion three year old colt/gelding, much to the delight of both owners Adriaan and Rika Van Vuuren and renowned trainer Mike Azzie.

All eyes will be on Abashiri who is one of the 65 horses nominated for this year’s Vodacom Durban July.

The Racing Association Highveld Feature Awards are based on performances from the Gauteng racing season with the judges this year including Vee Moodley as panel Chairman, Clyde Basel, Germaine Maharaj, Jay Harriellel, Jason Dedekind and Alistair Cohen.

Notable stars that collected awards also included the best sprint filly in the land, Carry On Alice and Legal Eagle, the best older horse. These regional awards are for Gauteng based/run horses and they are an indication of the early front runners for the National Equus Awards normally held in August each year.  

All the winners:
Rivarine – champion two year old colt/ gelding
Juxtapose – champion three year old filly
Abashiri – champion three year old colt/gelding
Legal Eagle – champion older horse
Carry On Alice – champion sprinter
Legal Eagle – champion middle distance horse
Abashiri – champion stayer
Deputy Jud – champion sand specialist
Sam Mosia – champion work rider
Callan Murray – champion apprentice
Summerhill Stud – champion breeders
S`Manga Khumalo – champion jockey
Sean Tarry – champion trainer
Chris Van Niekerk – champion owner
Abashiri – Horse Of The Season 

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