Two of the biggest names in Australian racing, retired Everest hero Bella Nipotina and high-class Group 1 mare Via Sistina, have been announced among the 10 finalists for NSW Horse of the Year honours.
The list was drawn up using a pointscore system, with NSW-trained gallopers earning points for top-three placings in Group and Listed races across the country, while interstate-trained horses collect points only for results in NSW.
The Everest carries double points, and the final decision will be based on a mix of the pointscore and votes from a panel of experts, including representatives from Racing NSW, the Australian Turf Club, racing journalists, and NSWROA board members.
Alongside Bella Nipotina and Via Sistina, the finalists are Buckaroo, Ceolwulf, Fangirl, Joliestar, Royal Patronage, Stefi Magnetica, Sunshine In Paris, and Tom Kitten.
The winner will be revealed at the NSW Racehorse Owners Association’s Night of Champions at Randwick on August 28. This year’s event will also commemorate NSWROA’s 60th anniversary with the introduction of a special award for an owner who has made a significant and enduring impact on the sport.
“The board has been considering ways to formally recognise the invaluable contributions owners make to racing and decided this is a fitting way and time to do that,” NSWROA president Tony Mitevski said.
