South Africa’s best horses line up for the Equus Awards

Emperor’s Palace will once again host the glittering gala black tie Equus Awards on 14 August.

And excitement is building following the announcement of the finalists.

The voting panel of Matthew Lips, Robert Garner, Roger Smith, David Thiselton and Larry Wainstein as non-voting chairperson met after Durban July Day and The awards are based on graded races and in particular Grade 1 races.

In the stayer category, the winning horse will be at the discretion of the voting panel. This decision was taken as the only Grade 1 race in SA is the SA Derby, which would mean that this should be the obvious winner based on a single run. This would also have excluded fillies and mares.

Breeder Awards will include Stallion of the Year, Broodmare of the Year and Breeder of the Year

The Thoroughbred Breeders Association may include outstanding and/or international achievement awards. These are individual awards: Champion Apprentice, Champion Jockey, Champion Owner (based on stakes earned), Champion Trainer (based on stakes earned); Industry Merit Awards such as Horse of the Year Award.

The categories and finalists are:

Champion Two-year-old Colt – distance immaterial: Soqrat, Van Halen.

Champion Two-year-old Filly – distance immaterial: Mighty High, Return Flight.

Champion Three-year-old Colt – distance immaterial: Bold Respect, Do It Again, Eyes Wide Open, Hero’s Honour, Lobo’s Legend, Surcharge, Tap O’ Noth, Undercover Agent.

Champion Three-year-old Filly – distance immaterial: Oh Susanna (Aus), Snowdance.

Champion Older Male – distance immaterial: Captain America, Coral Fever, Legal Eagle, Will Pays.

Champion Older Filly/Mare – distance immaterial: Nother Russia, Redberry Lane, Sommerlied.

Champion Sprinter – (1000 – 1200m; age/gender immaterial): Attenborough, Bold Respect, Sergeant Hardy, Will Pays.

Champion Miler – (1400 – 1600m; age/gender immaterial): Legal Eagle, Snowdance, Undercover Agent.

Champion Middle Distance – (1800 – 2200m; age/gender immaterial): Captain America, Coral Fever, Do It Again, Oh Susanna (Aus).

Champion Stayer – (2400m and up; age/gender immaterial): Hero’s Honour, It’s my Turn.

Clyde Basel will be the master of ceremonies and if you wish to purchase tickets (R700 per person) for this event, contact Penny Morsner at the Racing Association on (011) 683-3220 or email