After a bit of a whirlwind, last Thursday afternoon found me on a plane to Joburg for the Equus Awards. Much like dentist visits, I find air travel a bit of an evil, necessary though it might be.
The BA pilot tore down the runway and my stomach seemed to stay on the ground as he launched us unceremoniously heaven-ward. I was gratified to see that the armrest in my death grip was well marked from previous nervous passengers, so at least I’m not the only unhappy flyer !
Our silver shuttle did a quick turn over the False Bay coast and then banked left to head inland. As we hit our cruising altitude, I craned my neck out of the window to see whether there was any snow left on the mountain tops.
Two hours later we touched down at OR Tambo and rushed off to the hotel for a quick wardrobe change. We giggled our way through the casino complex, unconsciously tugging at unfamiliar restraints of bow ties and flouncy dress material. Finally, we arrived at the Theatre of Marcellus.
Having arrived fashionably late, the lights were already down and the spotlight was on the centre stage where Peter Gibson opened the festivities with the words ‘Tonight marks the celebration of the 2010/2011 horseracing season, a season like no other before it and none likely to follow.’
And hasn’t it just. Last week I had a quick look back at some of my favourite moments of last year and the honours roll for last Thursday paralleled them fairly closely. James Goodman took over as Master of Ceremonies and led us through the first 9 awards.
Princess Victoria was awarded Champion Two Year Old Filly. The unbeaten Delago Deluxe walked off with Champion Two Year Old Colt. Champion Three Year Old Filly was the pathfinder on what was to become a well worn track to the Igugu table !
The Apache was awarded Champion Three Year Old Colt, Champion Older Filly/Mare went to Dancewiththedevil and Past Master was named Champion Older Male. Champion Sprinter was awarded to Avontuur Estate’s miracle filly Val de Ra, Champion Middle Distance Horse went to Igugu and Champion Stayer to Aslan.
We had a quick break for some fabulous food and entertainment from the irreverent David Kau and then it was back to the serious business of handing out awards.
The award for Champion Stallion went to Mr & Mrs Devine for Jet Master who has become such a cornerstone of our industry. There was a wonderful montage of him, including footage of Rakeen arriving in South Africa, some of Jet Master’s track exploits and some beautiful footage of him galloping in his field at home. It was particularly poignant seeing images of him looking so strong and vital, after the devastating news of the West Nile Virus. Again, my thoughts go out to the Devines and all the attending vets that you can nurse this wonderful horse back to health.
The Outstanding Stallion Achievement award went to Klawervlei’s Captain Al who gave us such an exciting challenge for the Champion Stallion title and who has also become such an institution on our tracks.
Broodmare of the Year was awarded to Mr W J Engelbrecht’s Sunshine Lover who is the dam of Captain’s Lover and Cape sensation, Ebony Flyer.
Breeder of the Year went to St John Gray’s Graystone Stud for the triumphant that is Dancewiththedevil.
The Breeder Award for Exceptional International Achievement and Equus Award for International Achievement was awarded to the Devines for J J The Jet Plane and Rathmor Stud for Gypsy’s Warning and we were treated to another video montage of memorable moments of both horses’ international exploits.
Summerhill added another Champion Breeder award to their trophy cabinet and with their continuous and innovative initiatives, I am sure there will be plenty more to come.
Our hard work-working work riders also received accolades with Bizu Mjokwa representing the Western Cape and Abram Makhuba taking home the award for Gauteng.
Ronnie Napier was honoured with a Special Achievement award for his exceptional contribution to the industry and his work with the National Horse Trust in particular. With the currently difficulties the industry finds itself faced with, it is inspirational to see the impact someone with Ronnie’s passion and dedication can make.
Racing South Africa stepped in to reinstate the media awards for this year. It was an enormous honour to share the nominations with Michael Clower, who is such a giant among our local and international racing scribes and even more of a surprise when I was called onto the stage. I have been quite overwhelmed by all the good wishes and congratulations, that I am uncharacteristically (!) lost for words. I have been made so welcome by the racing community over the past year and would just like to say a sincere thank you to everyone and the wonderful team at the Sporting Post in particular. It was a huge honor and the beautiful trophy and will serve as inspiration and reminder of everyone who helped put it on my shelf.
Aidan Lithgow received the honours for the Media Awards in Television and everyone who saw his exceptional series Legends of the Turf will agree that it was richly deserved. I know Aidan is working hard to complete the series as well as having several other projects on the go and I have no doubt that there will be a lot more to come from this exceptional talent.
The very likeable JP van der Merwe (who recently represented South Africa in the 2011 Asian Young Guns Challenge in Melbourne) won the award for Apprentice of the Year. He said his mates at the Academy had helped him put together his acceptance speech which he delivered with a great deal of charm and I am sure I won’t be the only one following his career with interest in the coming season.
Champion Jockey went to the fabulous Anton Marcus after a hard-fought and exciting tussle with Anthony Delpech. I managed to chat to Anthony later that evening, but my sincerest thanks to you both for ending the season in such a spirited and passionate fashion. I am sure flying around the country chasing rides is a lot harder and less glamorous than people realize, but you guys gave us a lot of fun and excitement and really showed us the true spirit of sportsmanship. I’m already looking forward to next year !
Matthew de Kock took to the stage to receive his dad’s award for Champion Trainer. Mike & Diane, you really do have the most wonderful son. His acceptance speech was composed and mature well beyond his years and he is an absolute credit to you both.
The Igugu team took to the stage one final time to receive the crown for their jewel. It takes an exceptionally filly to be named Horse of the Year, but what else can one do when it comes to Igugu ? Mr Mac – thanks for sharing your wonderful horse with us this season and I hope she will go from strength to strength for you in the months to come.
Ingrid and Markus Jooste were named Owner of the Year and Mr Jooste delivered a rousing speech, appealing for unity and for members of the industry to stand fast and weather the current storms together.
The rest of the evening flew by in a haze of twinkling lights and charming company and it was all over far too soon.
I made our way back to our hotel room with Peter Gibson’s opening address still echoing in my ears. ‘the 2010/2011 horseracing season, a season like no other before it and none likely to follow.’ Well, it seems he might just have to eat his words – Weichong Marwing, Piere Strydom and Greg Cheyne are back from abroad, Bernard Fayd’herbe and Aldo Domeyer are flying the flag in Mauritius and Korea, the much talked about and finally named Divine Jet won like a good thing at Clairwood last week, the L’Ormarins team have just announced plans to incorporate the Queen’s Plate into the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” Series and Ladbrokes SA are sponsoring Under Starter’s Orders. And it’s only mid-August !
Yes, there are undoubtedly trials and tribulations ahead, but they do say that life is a journey. They also say that sometimes a journey can take you to a place that is not on any map. So here’s to travels, unexpected surprises and everything that makes the trip worthwhile. See you all on the race course !!
