Motivator was hailed Horse of the Year at the British Horseracing Board’s (BHB) annual Flat racing awards in London. The runaway Vodafone Derby winner, who was retired to stud in October was also declared champion three-year-old colt. Kieren Fallon was named Champion Jockey for a second year and Philip Makin became Champion Apprentice.
“Motivator made his mark last season beyond the confines of the racing industry, helping to promote the scope and thrill of racehorse ownership,” said BHB Chairman Martin Broughton, “His relatively inexpensive purchase price as a yearling also gives hope to all of us who would like to own a Derby winner.”
The BHB Awards are scheduled to coincide with the publication of the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings and give official recognition to British Racing’s Flat Champions, both equine and human.
Each BHB Award was won by the highest-rated horse in the respective Rankings category, provided that the horse was either trained in Britain or, if trained abroad, achieved the category-topping rating on a British racecourse. The Awards for Champion Owner, Trainer, Jockey and Apprentice Jockey – won by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, Sir Michael Stoute, Kieren Fallon and Philip Makin respectively – were based on prize money earned in 2005.
“2005 once again saw British Flat Racing lead the way in quality and diversity, and the BHB Awards offer lasting recognition to those who helped to make our sport what it is,” said Broughton who presented trophies to the winners of the 15 Award categories.
Azamour picked up the Champion Middle Distance and Champion Older Male Horse Awards. For the second consecutive year Soviet Song was Champion Older Female, with Flashy Wings collecting the Champion Two-Year-Old Filly Award. Other winners included Sir Percy in the Two-Year-Old Colt category, Shamardal as Champion Miler and Pastoral Pursuits as Champion Sprinter.
British Horseracing Board award winners
Two-year-old colt: Sir Percy (rated 121)
Two-year-old filly: Flashy Wings (115)
Three-year-old colt: Motivator (125)
Three-year-old filly: Eswarah (115)
Older male horse: Azamour (126)
Older female horse: Soviet Song (119)
Champion sprinter: Pastoral Pursuits (118)
Champion miler: Shamardal (125)
Champion middle-distance: Azamour
Champion stayer: Westerner
Champion apprentice: Phillip Makin
Champion jockey: Kieren Fallon
Champion trainer: Sir Michael Stoute
Champion owner: Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum
Horse Of The Year: Motivator
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