Snaith stars at Equus awards

IN THE midst of a very a tumultuous time for the racing industry, role players, stakeholders, sponsors, and lovers of the sport last night honoured their very best at the annual Equus Awards.

Congregating at Emperor’s Palace for a glittering black-tie gala event, the best of the best from all over the country celebrated their successes achieved last season and drew inspiration for the year ahead.

“The Equus Awards is all about celebrating and enjoying what the sport of racing is all about,” said Phumelela’s Rob Scott.

“It’s an evening where all the nominated participants who form part of these fantastic athletes can enjoy the rewards of the past season.”

While the big three – Sean Tarry, Justin Snaith and Mike de Kock – made their presence felt in every category, there was also joy for trainers Gavin van Zyl and Joe Soma, proving that the smaller yards have a vital role to play in South African racing.

And while Tarry claimed back the title of Trainer Of The Year which he relinquished to Snaith a year ago, it was Snaith who claimed more than a handful of awards last night – thanks mostly to Do It Again, winner of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and the Vodacom Durban July.

Oh Susanna, winner of the Horse-Of-The-Year title last year, was not left without a crown as she was named Champion Older Filly/Mare.

“People don’t always realize the amount of work, or the size of the team, it takes to produce a winner,” said Scott.

“While the winning connections are celebrating in style tonight, let’s not forget the grooms, the stablehands, the workriders and all the other staff who work long hours to ensure the perfect conditioning of the horses,” Scott said.