Savabeel the star at NZTBA award ceremony
Waikato Stud stalwart Savabeel (Zabeel) again made the headlines at the 2024 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (NZTBA) awards, securing his ninth Grosvenor Award, Dewar Award, and Centaine Award respectively.
The Grosvenor Award is handed to the Champion New Zealand-based sire by total progeny earnings, the Dewar Award is received by the stallion with the highest total progeny earnings within New Zealand and Australia, while the Centaine Award is given to the Champion New Zealand-based sire by total progeny earnings worldwide.
Savabeel has sired four Group 1 winners this season, with Atishu, Orchestral, Skew Wiff, and I Wish I Win all scoring at the highest level.
Mr Brightside (Bullbars) was awarded the Seton Horse of the Year Award having won four Group 1 contests throughout the season.
The now six-year-old son of Bullbars (Elusive Quality) was bred by Ray Johnson, who also received the Small Breeder of the Year Award.
The Broodmare of the Year award was given to Mr Brightside’s dam Lilahjay (Tavistock), after her daughter, Bella Orfana (Star Witness), saw her most notable offspring Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) claim dual Group 1 honours in Australia.
Owner Ed Sheather accepted the award, having purchased the mare for $3,000 off the Gavelhouse platform in 2020.
Meanwhile, Pride Of Jenni’s (Pride Of Dubai) star efforts this season saw Brent and Cherry Taylor’s Trelawney Stud handed the honour of the Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan Breeders of the Year Award.
Pride Of Jenni, who is the first foal out of the Trelawney Stud resident Sancerre (O’Reilly), has taken home three Group 1 events this season, including her outstanding all-the-way Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) victory, while also landing the All-Star Mile (1600m).