Puerto Manzano was the star of the 2023 Highveld Feature Season Awards on Saturday, scooping three of the awards, including the highly coveted Horse Of The Season title.
The five-year-old Argentinian import won the Grade 1 Summer Cup, the Grade 1 Premier’s Champion Challenge, and the Grade 3 London News Stakes this season to claim the top prize.
The complete list of winners are:
Champion 2-year-old filly: Mrs Geriatrix
Owner: Magical Lady Syndicate (Nom: Natalie Turner)
Trainer: Sean Tarry
Breeder: Clifton Stud
Champion 2-year-old colt/gelding: Lucky Lad
Owner: Mr AR & Mrs ABL Beck
Trainer: Sean Tarry
Breeder: Varsfontein Stud
Champion 3-year-old-filly: Bless My Stars
Owner: Kestorm Investments (Nom: Kenneth Pillay)
Trainer: Sean Tarry
Breeder: Varsfontein Stud
Champion 3-year-old-colt/gelding: Anfields Rocket
Owner: Hollywood Syndicate (Nom: Mr A Delpech)
Trainer: Grant Maroun
Breeder: Klawervlei Stud
Champion Older Horse: Puerto Manzano (ARG)
Owner: Messrs JF & LMF Wernars & Ms TJ Wernars
Trainer: Johan Janse van Vuuren
Breeder: Haras Carampangue
Champion Older Filly/Mare: Desert Miracle
Owners: Wilgerbosdrift (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mrs M Slack)
Trainer: Mike de Kock
Breeder: Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein
Champion Sprinter: Isivunguvungu
Owner: Hollywood Syndicate (Nom: Mr A Delpech)
Trainer: Peter Muscutt
Breeder: Narrow Creek Stud
Champion Middle Distance Horse: Puerto Manzano (ARG)
Owner: Messrs JF & LMF Wernars & Ms TJ Wernars
Trainer: Johan Janse van Vuuren
Breeder: Haras Carampangue
Champion Stayer: Son Of Raj
Owner: Mr Steven Chetty
Trainer: Weiho Marwing
Breeder: Mr Steven Chetty
Work Rider of the Season: Sam Mosia
Champion Apprentice Jockey: Philasande Mxoli
Champion Breeder: Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein
Champion Jockey: Richard Fourie
Champion Trainer: Sean Tarry
Champion Owner: Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs GA Rupert)
Horse of the Season: Puerto Manzano (ARG)