More Joyous has been named NSW Horse Of The Year
The Gai Waterhouse trained More Joyous emerged as the star of the show after last night’s New South Wales Racehorse Owners Association Awards.
The awards recognise the achievements of horses across all age groups and regions as well as the efforts of trainers, jockeys and stable staff.
No doubt the major prize though is for the horse of the year, a title More Joyous picked up in fine style.
Over the course of last season she amassed eight race victories, four of them at Group 1 level.
In addition to her horse of the year title she also picked up the prize for best sprinter / miler and the ‘queen of the autumn’.
In the training ranks Chris Waller picked up his award for finishing the season as Sydney’s leading trainer.
In the process he was also awarded with the prestigious Bart Cummings Medal, a prize that can go to either a trainer, horse or jockey however no trainer has won it since its inception in 2008.
In the two year old ranks there were no surprises with Sepoy storming home on the back of his dual Group 1 triumphs.
The three year old champion was also a Darley runner, Retrieve fending off challenges from Ilovethiscity and Shootoff thanks to his consistent performances in the Victoria Derby, Rosehill Guineas and the Australian Derby.
The middle distance horse of the year title went the way of So You Think on the back of his spring success prior to heading overseas.
The stayers category belonged to Sydney Cup champion Stand To Gain, trained by Waller.
In the regional categories Voice Commander picked up the country title while Hay List was deemed best from the provincials.
The night however belonged to More Joyous who is due to trial on Friday week ahead of a short three run spring preparation.
Her ultimate goal is expected to be the Group 1 Myer Classic on Derby Day at Flemington.
Prolific racehorse owner John Singleton says she isn’t far enough forward to tender a start in the Cox Plate.
“She is a month behind the eight- ball so I think the Cox Plate is out of the question,” he said.
“We still have her in the race, if it falls away dramatically and she is flying we might have a look but I wouldn’t be diving in and backing her just yet.”
He says there’s every chance she could take even more improvement out of her latest spell and that she looks better than ever before.
“She has put on 70kg since last campaign,” he said.
“It is the first time I’ve honestly really been happy with the way she has looked.
“We will just have a light spring and then a red-hot go in the autumn and hopefully Peter Moody will bring his horse up (Black Caviar) to race us in the All Aged Stakes.”
