The 2022 Equus Awards were staged during the past week. Below are the nominees and winners for each category. Some decisions must have been slam- dunk- easy, whilst others would have generated differences of opinion amongst the panelists.

For what it’s worth, the seasonal peak speed score for each entry is listed. This provides a standard of measurement for the current vintage of high-achieving, South African racehorses. This is useful as we often get too caught up day by day in run of the mill, weak races – by bearing in mind what constitutes top-notch level of ability we can then identify and focus our betting action on superior thoroughbreds that meet these superior standards.

To put in context, any time a juvenile is mentioned in this newsletter for getting a score of 95 or better you can be assured we are dealing with a naturally talented ‘teenager” able to mix it with the best of his/her crop.

Developing three-year-old’s that hit numbers around 100 or better are near the top of their generation and hence genuine Classic material. And, for older horses at the peak of their powers to shape in Grade 1’s in South Africa, par speed figures of, at least, 108 are typically required. 

2022 Equine categories:

Champion Two-year-old Colt (Distance Immaterial)

  • Thunderstruck  96

Winner: Cousin Casey       98 +

Champion Two-year-old Filly (Distance Immaterial)

  • Ameena          94
  • Sweet Pepper 95

Winner: Canadian Summer        90

Champion Three-year-old Colt (Distance Immaterial)

  • Aragosta         107
  • Pomp and Power 110

Winner:  Safe Passage      111 

Champion Three-year-old Filly (Distance Immaterial)

  • Big Burn         108
  • Chansonette         104

Winner: Rain in Holland    102 +

Champion Older Colt/Gelding (Distance Immaterial)

  • Astrix                 109
  • Kommetdieding 113
  • MK’s Pride 109

Winner:  Jet Dark              115

Champion Older Filly/Mare (Distance Immaterial)

  • Princess Calla  108
  • Sparkling Water 112

Winner: Captain’s Ransom       111 + 

Champion Sprinter (1000-1200 Metres, Age/gender Immaterial)

  • Alesian Chief         112
  • Big Burn         108
  • Bohica         107
  • Master Archie 111

Winner: Captain’s Ransom 111 +

Champion Miler (1400-1600 Metres, Age/gender Immaterial)

  • Al Muthana (Aus) 109
  • MK’s Pride         109

Winner: Jet Dark               115 

Champion Middle Distance Horse 1800-2200 Metres, Age/gender Immaterial)

  • Astrix                  109
  • Kommetdieding  113
  • Sparkling Water  112

Winner: Jet Dark               115 

Champion Stayer (2400 Metres upwards, Age/gender Immaterial)

  • Black Thorn         102
  • Nebraas         102
  • Shangani         104

Winner:  Sparkling Water  112

2022 Breeder Awards:

Champion Broodmare: Gay Fortuna 

Champion Stallion: Silvano

Champion Breeder: Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein

Outstanding Stallion Vercingetorix

Outstanding Breeder: Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs GA Rupert)