The 2013 Equus Awards banquet held in Johannesburg last Wednesday evening was celebrated in a spirit of great camaraderie. The industry paid tribute to its champions and top achievers and the occasion saw many special moments.
Champion Breeders for 9 consecutive years – Summerhill Stud
Mike Bass’ legendary Jet Master gelding Pocket Power achieved the Horse Of The Year Award for a remarkable three years running from 2006/2007 to 2008/ 2009. This year’s prestigious title was won for the second year running by Var’s brilliant son, Variety Club. The outstanding 4yo is currently en route to continue his career on the world stage and the award received a rousing ovation.
The trophy was accepted by Variety Club’s regular jockey Anton Marcus, Jooste Racing Manager Derek Brugman , breeder Anton Shepherd of Beaumont Stud and trainer Joey Ramsden, who has done such a fine job with the star. There was great anticipation when RA CEO Larry Wainstein stepped on to the stage for the special achievement awards. The first of the special achievement acknowledgements went to newly crowned Cape trainer Justin Snaith for his terrific performances of 7 winners on a day and his record breaking season total of 198.
The trophy was accepted by Justin, as well as his right hand men, in his brother Jono and his father, Chris. The second special achievement award went to owner Chris van Niekerk for his fantastic back to back Vodacom Durban July wins. Van Niekerk won the big race in 2012 with Pomodoro and repeated the rare feat this year with Silvano’s Heavy Metal.
Champion Older Filly – Beach Beauty
The runaway winner of the Champion Stallion trophy was Maine Chance’s brilliant son of Lomitas, Silvano. The award was made by BSA Chairperson Susan Kalmanson and accepted by John Slade. The Champion broodmare award was also made by Susan Kalmanson and went to Akinfeet (the dam of brilliant 3yo of last season, Capetown Noir). It was accepted by BSA CEO Tom Callaghan on behalf of Lammerskraal Stud.
The Champion breeder trophy was awarded by Susan Kalmanson and went yet again to the champion operation, Summerhill. A lovely excerpt from the Summehill information video was shown and the trophy was accepted by the entire Summerhill team. We take our hats off to Mick Goss and his team. Pure professionalism from A to Z, as is the Summerhill trademark.
It was hardly surprising that Varsfontein stallion Judpot was the recipient of the Outstanding Stallion achievement Award. A proud Susan Kalmanson (who stands the exciting sire on her farm) made the award to the Niarchos family representative Alan Cooper and Varsfontein’s Carl de Vos, who was visibly thrilled.
Champion 2yo Colt – Kochka
The Breeder award for International Achievement was handed over by Susan Kalmanson to John Koster and Grant Knowles of Klawervlei for Shea Shea. Larry Wainstein was on stage again for the media awards. Phumelela Executive Clyde Basel then took over with the National Horseracing Authority’s CEO Denzil Pillay for the Apprentice of the Year award when to Nooresh Juglall.
The Champion jockey award went to Piere Strydom, who accepted the R250 000 cheque from Klawervlei and the trophy from Denzil Pillay. Strydom gave a brilliant speech, and said his motivation was largely thanks to the SA Revenue Services, who have apparently been a bit harsh on him.
Special Achievement – Snaith Racing
He also thanked Lubrisyn (he’s getting on a bit) and the 45 trainers he’s won for. He also acknowledged all the winning owners. He went on to mention the efforts of his agent, Beattie and thanked his fiancé, Claudia, for her support. The Champion trainer award was made to Mike de Kock for the eighth time.
He ended on R16,8 million. The trophy was handed over by Denzil Pillay and accepted by Mike’s son Matthew, who delivered a great speech. The young man asked the audience to remember the passing of Abram Mahkubo, before thanking his entire team, grooms, work riders, transporters, owners and the support of Mary Slack. A very accomplished speech, all round! William Ntsele was on stage to present Owner of the Year, which again went to Markus and Ingrid Jooste.
