Honeysuckle is your Horse of the Year
Kenny Alexanders stunning Mare Honeysuckle cleaned up at the ROA’s 39th Horseracing Awards in London on Thursday 9 December, as owners across the UK voted her as Outstanding Hurdler of the Year, Outstanding National Hunt Mare and Horse of the Year.
The awards were voted for by the membership of the ROA.
When collecting the Horse of the Year Award, Racing Manager Peter Malony said:
"We are speechless. To win three awards is a phenomenal achievement. She is a dream. Henry and Rachael have done a wonderful job to get her fit and ready to the racecourse 13 times. Honeysuckle has changed all our lives".
The late Trevor Hemmings was the worthy recipient of the coveted Owner of the Year title and was commemorated on the night with a fabulous tribute video featuring interviews with Sir Anthony McCoy, Oliver Sherwood and David Minton.
Mr Hemmings died in October. He had just celebrated a fine National Hunt season with Cloth Cap's victory in the Ladbrokes Gold Cup, and Vintage Clouds turning back the years in the Ultima Chase at Cheltenham.
St Mark's Basilica was voted the Outstanding Middle Distance Horse by members, after a fierce battle with Adayar for top spot. The Aiden O'Brien colt landed four Group 1 successes over the season.
Godolphin gained compensation with Native Trail's unbeaten campaign gaining him the Juvenile title. Another unbeaten colt, Baaeed won the Miling division, whilst the Singula Partnership's Trueshan won the Stayers title.
Starman was voted the Champion Sprinter of the year, whilst one of the biggest cheers of the night was reserved for Emma Banks' Lady Bowthorpe who members voted as the top Filly or Mare of the year
Frodon ran away with the Chaser title, with winning rider Bryony Frost in attendence with owner Paul Vogt.
The Novice divisions went to the promising Bob Olinger as Novice Hurdler whilst Marie Donnelly's Shishkin took the Novice Chaser honours
Bangkok was crowned Outstanding All-Weather Horse (sponsored by ARC) for his Easter Classic success in April. The colt, owned by King Power, has now retired to take up stallion duties at Chapel Stud.
The Owner Breeder Flat Special Achievement Award went to the juvenile Chipotle, who raced in the colours of the Woodway 20, during a campaign that captured the Windsor Castle, Brocklesbury and Redcar's Two-Year-Old Trophy.
Bristol de Mai was a popular winner of The Owner Breeder National Hunt Special Achievement Award, for the gelding's third victory in the Betfair Chase, chalking up his fifth win at Haydock.
