On Jan. 6, Orfevre was announced as a double winner for the JRA Awards for 2011. The 2011 JRA Triple Crown Winner won both the Japan Racing Association's Horse of the Year for 2011 and Best Three-Year-Old Colt award. Orfevre dominated the voting for the Horse of the Year award with 284 votes out of 285. Victoire Pisa had received one vote.

The Horse of the Year title is the highest honor given to JRA-registered race horses and is selected by the Horse of the Year Selection Committee represented by journalists of various dailies and magazines.

Orfevre award comments

Owner: Sunday Racing, Shunsuke Yoshida

“Not only did he capture the Triple Crown last year, but in the Arima Kinen he beat the older competition in racing against them for the first time. I am just overwhelmed at how strong he has become. This year, we are going to take on the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as one of our big challenges and I look forward to even greater things. Thank you.”

Trainer: Yasutoshi Ikee

“It is an honor to have received this recognition. At this time last year, there had been as yet no results that indicated he would be winning the Horse of the Year award. But, thanks to the work of the farm, the stable staff, and jockey Ikezoe, and the things they have taught (Orfevre) in racing, we were able to get the results that led to becoming Horse of the Year. From here on as well, with results fitting of such an honor, and if we can, a victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, I will strive to do my best to ready him to become No. 1 in the world. Thank you very much.”

Jockey: Kenichi Ikezoe

“I had never received this award before but had always thought how great it would be if I could. I am very proud to have met Orfevre and to have become the jockey of a Horse of the Year. And, in a way fitting of the title, I will strive to do my best this year together with him.”

Results of the 2011 JRA Awards (Total Votes: 285)