The search for SA’s Equus Award winners is underway

The countdown has started to South African Horseracing’s premier awards - the Equus Awards.

Equus Committee Chairman Larry Wainstein announced yesterday that the organising committee have begun in earnest with preparations for the awards.

They will be presented at the Emperors Palace convention centre on 14 August.

Wainstein said all the categories had been finalised and the voting panel would comprise Matthew Lips, David Thiselton, Robert Garner and Roger Smith

Wainstein will be the non-voting chairman with a casting vote.

The panel submitted their first round of nominations directly after Vodacom Durban July Day and the final decisions will be taken after the Gold Cup race meeting on 28 July.

The awards will be based on graded races and in particular Grade 1 races.

As regards the stayer category, the winning stayer will be at the discretion of the voting panel. This decision was taken as the only Grade 1 race in South Africa 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 or mares. CATEGORIES: Champion two-year-old colt distance immaterial

Champion two-year-old filly – distance immaterial

Champion three-year-old colt – distance immaterial

Champion three-year-old filly – distance immaterial

Champion older male – distance immaterial

Champion older filly or mare – distance immaterial

Champion sprinter 1000m – 1200m; age or gender immaterial

Champion miler 1400m – 1600m age or gender immaterial

Champion middle distance 1800m – 2200m age or gender immaterial

Champion stayer – 2400m and up; age or gender immaterial BREEDER AWARDS: Stallion of the year Broodmare of the year Breeder of the year The Thoroughbred Breeders Association may include outstanding and or international achievement awards. INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: Champion Apprentice Champion Jockey Champion Owner based on stakes earned

Champion Trainer based on stakes earned Industry Merit Award Horse of the Year Award.

Clyde Basel will be the master of ceremonies and guests will be treated to an array of entertainment on the evening. There will also be an after party at the same venue.

Any further enquiries about the 2018 Equus Awards ceremony can be directed to Penny Morsner: penny@racingassociation.co.za