News

Inglis Graduates Star at Awards Night

3rd Aug 2005

Inglis Graduates claimed success in five categories at the Australian Horse of the Year Awards in Melbourne last night. Congratulations to all connections on being recognized for their outstanding success during the past 12 months.

The Gai Waterhouse prepared gelding GRAND ARMEE (2000 Easter $150,000) was named Champion Middle Distance Racehorse, while his trainer took top billing as leading Group One Trainer of the year.

With five Group One victories to his credit Grand Armee was the leading horse in terms of number of Group One wins, but elite staying mare Makybe Diva (GB) proved a popular elect in the battle for Australian Horse of the Year.

Her back-to-back victories in the VRC Melbourne Cup Gr 1, plus weight-for-age wins in the VRC Australian Cup Gr 1 and STC BMW Stakes Gr 1 proved impossible for Grand Armee to trump.

Outstanding galloper ELVSTROEM (2002 Easter $330,000) was named Champion International Performer following a historic win in the Dubai Duty Free Gr 1 at Nad El Sheba back in March. He also claimed victory in the MRC Caulfield Cup Gr 1 (defeating Makybe Diva (GB)), Underwood Stakes Gr 1 and C.F. Orr Stakes Gr 1.

The three year old awards were dominated by Inglis Graduates with great adversaries FASTNET ROCK (2003 Easter PI$290,000) and ALINGHI (2003 Premier $80,000), named Champion Three Year Old Colt and Filly.

Fastnet Rock was also awarded the Inglis sponsored prize for Champion Sprinter, his 12 starts this season netting six wins including the VRC Lightning Stakes Gr 1 and MRC Oakleigh Plate Gr 1.

Alinghi started 10 times for six wins highlighted by the VRC Newmarket Handicap Gr 1, MRC 1000 Guineas Gr 1 and SAJC Robert Sangster Stakes Gr 1.

Elvstroem and Fastnet Rock are both off to stud this spring, while Grand Armee is looking sensational for a seven year old and looks well placed for another big campaign.

Super filly Alinghi will fly the flag for Australia later next week when she makes her North American debut for leading US trainer Bobby Frankel.