The Royal Ascot Racing Club’s MOTIVATOR (Montjeu [Ire]) was named Horse of
the Year at the third annual British Horseracing Board (BHB) Flat Racing Awards
in London on Tuesday. Now retired to stand at The Queen’s Royal Studs at
Sandringham, the impressive Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) hero, who gave his 230-strong
syndicate the ultimate thrill, was also named champion three-year-old colt in
the ceremony carried out by BHB Chairman Martin Broughton.
Based on the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings, which were unveiled
Tuesday, the awards reflect the highest-rated British-trained horse in the
respective rankings category or any overseas runner who achieved the
category-topping rating on a British racecourse.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum was honored with the champion owner
title, and it was his homebred ESWARAH (Unfuwain) who was named the champion
three-year-old filly after her success in the Epsom Oaks (Eng-G1). Breaking the
monopoly of British-trained performers was His Highness the Aga Khan’s AZAMOUR
(Ire) (Night Shift), who collected the champion older male and middle-distance
horse awards by virtue of his success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth
Diamond S. (Eng-G1) at Newbury.
Anthony Pakenham’s Vintage S. (Eng-G2) and Dewhurst S. (Eng-G1) winner SIR
PERCY (Mark of Esteem [Ire]) was honored with the champion two-year-old colt
crown, while Jaber Abdullah’s Queen Mary S. (Eng-G2) and Lowther S. (Eng-G2)
heroine FLASHY WINGS (Zafonic) topped the fillies’ division.
Godolphin’s SHAMARDAL (Giant’s Causeway) was confirmed as the champion miler
thanks to his impressive score in the St James’s Palace S. (Eng-G1) at York,
while the Pursuits & National Stud Partnership’s PASTORAL PURSUITS (Bahamian
Bounty) picked up the champion sprinter award following his July Cup (Eng-G1)
win. As in 2004, the Elite Racing Club’s Falmouth S. (Eng-G1) scorer SOVIET SONG
(Marju) was named champion older female. Gold Cup S. (Eng-G1) hero WESTERNER (Danehill)
was named champion stayer.
Sir Michael Stoute took home champion trainer honors. Kieren Fallon was
crowned champion jockey and Phillip Makin champion apprentice.