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The Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Annual Awards for 2019 were presented in Scone on May 8.

“This year’s equine athlete categories were once again strongly contested. It is both humbling and inspiring to acknowledge that our 2019 Champion Racehorse, is a national and international icon,” said HTBA president Dr Cameron Collins.

Champion mare Winx and her dam Vegas Showgirl were again major award winner whil;e Godolphin collected both 2YO awards. Multiple G1 winners The Autumn Sun and Sunlight picked up the 3YO awards.

Snitzel and Rubick were the Hunter Valley’s champions sires.

Industry recognition awards were presented top Julie Harris of Holnbrook Thooruighujbreds and

2019 HTBA AWARDS

2YO Filly: Kiamichi (Sidestep x Ouachita) bred by Godolphin Australia.

2YO Colt: Microphone (Exceed And Excel x Sung) bred by Godolphin Australia.

3YO Filly: Sunlight (Zoustar x Solar Charged) bred by Widden Stud, Qatar Bloodstock and Mr D Fletcher.

3YO Colt: The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice x Azmiyna) bred by Arrowfield Group Pty Ltd.

Champion Racehorse: WInx (Street Cry x Vegas Showgirl) bred by Fairway Thoroughbreds and raised by Coolmore Australia.

Champion Broodmare: Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar), dam of Winx owned by Fairway Thoroughbreds.

Champion First Season Sire: Rubick (Encosta De Lago) standing at Coolmore Australia.

Champion Sire: Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) standing at Arrowfield Stud.

HTBA MURRAY BAIN SERVICE TO INDUSTRY AWARD – Julie Harris (Holbrook Thoroughbreds)

The Murray Bain Service to Industry Award honours the outstanding achievements of those in our industry who champion exceptional service to industry and hands-on practice.

Growing up in the Widden Valley and a member of a prominent thoroughbred family, she is well known and highly respected throughout the industry for her knowledge, dedication, attention to detail and the results she achieves in getting difficult mares in foal and supporting them to deliver healthy foals.

Her successful partnership with renowned West Australian breeder Bob Peters has seen numerous Group winners bred and raised at Holbrook.

She is known in the industry as a great mentor to young staff and has played a role in developing the careers of numerous people including Emily Starr, a past recipient of the HTBA Scholarship to the Irish National Stud.

Her community activities include volunteering for the Scone Community Centre and a member of the Scone Horse Festival Committee for the past 10 years.

HTBA EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

ADMINISTRATION – Bo Ritson (Kitchwin Hills Stud)

HORSEMANSHIP – Nigel Bentley (Arrowfield Stud)