Winx and Chris Waller have collected more accolades with the mare named the NSW Horse of the Year and her trainee claiming his eighth Bart Cummings medal.
Winx remained unbeaten during 2017/18 while Waller won his eighth Sydney premiership with a record 189 wins.
The NSW Racehorse Owners Association Night of Champions was held in conjunction with Racing NSW in Sydney on Thursday.
The Bart Cummings Medal point score, honouring the legendary trainer who died three years ago, is voted on by Sydney racing media during the season.
Waller was a clear winner with 110 points with jockeys Jason Collett and Brenton Avdulla second and third with 34 and 32 respectively.
Avdulla, winner of the Sydney premiership, made a quick trip from Japan where he is riding on a short-term contract, to receive the George Moore Medal for winning the title.
Waller also collected the TJ Smith Award for Sydney’s leading trainer, finishing 95 winners in front of James Cummings.
“Chris Waller is a trailblazer not just in thoroughbred racing, but in sport, and continues to set new benchmarks,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said.
Rachel King collected the Theo Green award as the leading Sydney apprentice with 38 wins for the season.
NSW Racehorse Owners award winners:
Winx: Champion Horse of the Year, Middle distance Horse of the Year
Estijaab: Two-Year-Old
Trapeze Artist: Three-year-old
Happy Clapper: Miler
In Her Time:Provincial Horse of the Year
The Monstar: Country Horse of the Year
Redzel: Sprinter
Who Shot Thebarman: Stayer
The NSWROA committee also acknowledged the late Noel Bracks by presenting his family with the NSWROA Industry Recognition Award.
A former vice-chairman of the Australian Jockey Club, Bracks died last month.
Trainer Pat Webster was voted by the NSW Racing Writers as the personality of the year for the deeds of Happy Clapper.
Webster is also a tireless worker with racing participants in need of counselling and help with drug and alcohol problems through the Racing NSW Mates program.
Lindy Wharekura, who works for the Peter and Paul Snowden stable, was named the Strapper of the Year. Wharekura has a diploma in management but prefers to work hand-on in the stable.
“She is a great asset to our business and we are very proud of Lindy. She is a very soft and giving young lady who always cares for others.” the Snowden stable said.
