Col N Lil adds to Currie’s success

RACING: Weetwood Handicap dead-heater Col ‘N’ Lil capped an extraordinary racing season for the Ben Currie stable after being named Toowoomba Horse of the Year for 2016-17.

Col ‘N’ Lil claimed the honour at Saturday’s Ladbrokes Toowoomba Turf Club Racing Awards presentation at the Cathedral Centre.

Her award added to four personal wins for Currie from the 11 awards announced at the evening.

Currie took out the Clifford Park premier trainer award, strike-rate trainer, premier owner and was named TTC Young Achiever of the Year.

Col ‘N’ Lil won three races during the 2016-17 racing year highlighted by her dead-heat victory with Jumbo Prince in the Listed Weetwood Handicap at Clifford Park in April and her Group Three Lord Mayor’s Cup win at Eagle Farm in May for owner Kim McCasker.

Long-time Clifford Park bookmaker, Pat Kynoch, was rewarded for his passion for the sport with the Industry Contributor award.

TTC Blair Odgers congratulated Currie on his success at all levels achieved from his Toowoomba base.

“It’s been an absolutely

stellar racing season for Ben and his entire team,” Odgers said. “He cleaned up at the state awards and then followed it up with much success at Clifford Park’s night.”

Odgers also welcomed the recognition of Kynoch for his work in helping promote the Darling Downs racing industry.

“The industry contributor award is someone selected by the TTC committee – someone who has given long-term, outstanding service and industry contribution to the local thoroughbred racing industry,” Odgers said.

First-year rider Baylee Nothdurft was named Clifford Park apprentice of the year.