Snaith dominates Cape awards

TRAINER Justin Snaith had a remarkable 2017/18 season and it came as no surprise that his stable dominated the Cape Awards at the Vineyard Hotel over the weekend.

Snaith was crowned Cape Trainer Of The Year while his charges, Oh Susanna, Snowdance and Do It Again collected seven trophies between them. Oh Susanna, who was crowned Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, Champion Middle Distance Horse and Horse Of The Year, dominated the awards. Stable companion Snowdance collected the trophies for Champion Miler (Racing) and Champion Three-Year-Old Filly (Breeding), while Vodacom Durban July winner Do It Again was crowned Champion Three-Year-Old Male (Racing) and Champion Middle Distance Horse (Breeding).

Snaith was also awarded the Exceptional Achievement Award for his victories in the Sun Met, where Oh Susanna became the first three-year-old filly to win the Grade 1 race in over a hundred years and the Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July, where he trained the first three home. He also won seven Grade 1 races during the season.

Snaith graciously thanked his team for their immense effort during the year. “To be a great trainer you need a good team – and I have a great team,” he said.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Snaith concluded by pointing out that Snaith Racing is here for the long haul and that he cannot wait to see what the new season will bring.

Head Groom Jabu Mdludlu, speaking on behalf of team Snaith Racing concurred: “It is not easy to win, so we work hard to make sure the boss is on the right track.”

Gaynor Rupert’s Drakenstein Stud, owner and breeder of the outstanding Oh Susanna and part owner of Snowdance, was crowned Champion Owner, while the award for Champion Breeder went to Klawervlei Stud. Avontuur Stud also walked away with a number of trophies, courtesy of Attenborough being crowned Champion Sprinter in both the Racing and Breeding categories, while the Avontuur-bred Legal Eagle was awarded Champion Older Male and Horse of the Year by the Cape Breeders.