Jack Milner
Super filly Captain’s Ransom was named Horse Of The Year at the 2022 Equus Awards ceremony held at Emperors Palace last night.
The daughter of Captain Al won six of her seven races last season, four of them Grade 1 events and that also earned her the award for Champion Older Filly or Mare.
Included in those Grade 1 victories were the SA Fillies Sprint at Scottsville and the Mercury Sprint at Greyville, and those two successes also saw her named Champion Sprinter.
It proved to be a great night for Justin Snaith who despite losing out on the Champion Trainer title, also claimed another three awards with Jet Dark.
The son of Trippi was named Champion Older Colt or Gelding, Champion Miler and Champion Middle Distance runner.
It came as no surprise to see Rain In Holland, winner of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara, named Champion Three-Year-Old Filly while Champion Three-Year-Old colt went to Safe Passage, winner of the Grade 1 Daily News 2000.
Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Sparkling Water was named Champion Stayer following her victory in the Grade 2 Western Cape Stayers, which at the moment is the highest rated unrestricted stayers’ race in the country.
There was a thrilling moment for young trainer Darryl Moore who saw his Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes winner Canadian Summer named Champion Two-Year-Old Filly while Glen Kotzen, who had a great season, trains Champion Two-Year-Old Colt Cousin Casey.
Paul Peter was honoured as Champion Trainer, Warren Kennedy was given the Champion Jockey Award and Rachel Venniker was named Champion Apprentice.
There was a double honour for Gaynor Rupert who, as the nominee for Drakenstein Stud, won both Champion Owner and Outstanding Breeder.
Champion Breeder went to Wilgerbosdrift/Mauritzfontein
A Special Award was presented to Isaac Mwelasa, who works for Justin Snaith and is the groom of Horse-Of-The-Year Captain’s Ransom.
2022 Equine categories:
Champion Two-year-old Colt (Distance Immaterial)
Winner: Cousin Casey
Champion Two-year-old Filly (Distance Immaterial)
Winner: Canadian Summer
Champion Three-year-old Colt (Distance Immaterial)
Winner: Safe Passage
Champion Three-year-old Filly (Distance Immaterial)
Winner: Rain in Holland
Champion Older Colt/Gelding (Distance Immaterial)
Winner: Jet Dark
Champion Older Filly/Mare (Distance Immaterial)
Winner: Captain’s Ransom
Champion Sprinter (1000-1200 Metres, Age/gender Immaterial)
Winner: Captain’s Ransom
Champion Miler (1400-1600 Metres, Age/gender Immaterial)
Winner: Jet Dark
Champion Middle Distance Horse 1800-2200 Metres, Age/gender Immaterial)
Winner: Jet Dark
Champion Stayer (2400 Metres upwards, Age/gender Immaterial)
Winner: Sparkling Water
2022 Breeder Awards:
Champion Broodmare: Gay Fortuna
Champion Stallion: Silvano
Champion Breeder: Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein
Outstanding Stallion Vercingetorix
Outstanding Breeder: Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs GA Rupert)
2022 Media Awards
Print Robyn Louw Underdogs who now rule the Sport of Kings
Broadcast Warren Lenferna In the box seat with Greg Bortz
Still Photography Candiese Lenferna Captain’s Ransom enjoying the Waves
2022 Human Categories:
Champion Apprentice: Rachel Venniker
Champion Jockey: Warren Kennedy
Champion Trainer: Paul Peter
Champion Owner: Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs GA Rupert)
2022 Horse of the Year:
Winner – Captain’s Ransom
Special Award to the Groom of the Horse of the year:
Winner - Isaac Mwelasa