Sharp ‘N’ Smart crowned Horse of the Year
Multiple Group 1 winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart (Redwood) was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2022-23 New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Horse of the Year Awards, in Auckland on Sunday night.
The Graeme and Debbie Rogerson-trained gelding had a standout three-year-old season, winning the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m), New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m), Spring Champion Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) and Gloaming Stakes (Gr 2, 1600m), and earning more than NZ$3 million in prize-money.
The son of Redwood (High Chaparral) edged out top mare Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) by two votes, with five other horses receiving at least one of the 58 votes cast for Horse of the Year.
Imperatriz, who won the McEwen Stakes (Gr 2, 1000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday, dominated the voting for Champion Sprinter-Miler, and her stablemate Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin) won the Champion Two-year-old category by a wide margin.
Commentator George Simon, who has had a variety of roles within the industry, received the NZTR Outstanding Contribution to Racing Award and New Zealand Bloodstock’s Mike Kneebone, who has played a key role in attracting overseas buyers to the Karaka horse sales, was recognised with the NZTR Outstanding Global Achievement Award.
Mark Walker, who set a new mark for domestic training wins last season, was crowned Trainer of the Year, while Michael McNab retained his Jockey of the Year title.
Ancroft Stud principals Catherine and Phillip Brown, who are the majority shareholders in multiple Group 1 winners Legarto (Proisir) and Levante (Proisir), were named Owners of the Year.
There was further recognition for their connections on Sunday night, with strapper Megan Winter named Stablehand of the Year.