Sole Power, who runs against Australia’s Buffering in the International Sprint in Hong Kong, has won the top honour at the Horse Racing Ireland awards.
He and his stablemate Slade Power picked up four of Britain’s five Group One sprints between them this year.
Owned by David and Sabina Power and trained by Eddie Lynam, Sole Power took out the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Nunthorpe at York to earn the Horse of the Year title.
“Every year you think it’s probably going to be the end and he can’t go and do it again, but this has probably been his best year,” Lynam said.
“In fairness to Dave and Sabina they are great to train for and I can run or not run him wherever I want, whether he’s 100-1 or even-money they back me.
“But at the end of the day he’s a hell of a horse and makes people like me look good.”
Lynam was cautious about his chances in Sunday’s 1200m Group One at Sha Tin.
“He’s probably an each-way bet, he’s never won over the trip but was second in it last year.
“He lost a bit more weight than I’d have liked going over but he has a chance.”
Slade Power has been retired to Darley Stud, finishing his career when unplaced in the Darley Classic at Flemington last month.
Gordon Lord Byron, another who made the trip to Australia during the year, was given the Outstanding Achievement Award decided by public vote.
The Tom Hogan-trained Gordon Lord Byron won the Group One George Ryder Stakes in Sydney and the Champions Sprint at Ascot.
He also lines up in the International Sprint.
“The horse has a wonderful heart, he’s just so tough and genuine and as you saw at Ascot he is a brave horse,” Hogan said.
Dual purpose trainer Willie Mullins, who brought Simenon to Australia to run fourth in the 2013 Melbourne Cup, won the National Hunt award for the fifth time.
