Classy mare and Group 1 winner Benedetta (Hellbent x Whatalovelyday) was named the SPORTSBET SA Thoroughbred Breeders HORSE OF THE YEAR on Saturday night.
In a close photo finish just like her SPORTSBET Group 1 Goodwood Handicap win, Benedetta finished fast to beat other Group 1 SA bred winners, Attrition, Queman & Socks Nation with rising Hong Hong superstar and Group 1 placegetter Galaxy Patch in the finish also.
Brenton Parker – Breeder and part owner of Benedetta with major sponsor Tom Biddington SPORTSBET -Photo Atkins Photography
Leading Broodmare
Broodmare WHATALOVELYDAY owned by Brenton Parker and the dam of Benedetta, also got the chocolates winning the Claude Haigh Memorial Broodmare of the year award.
Matrice Award
In a fitting tribute Wolf Blass was awarded the coveted Matrice Award for outstanding contribution to the SA Thoroughbred industry function on Saturday night held in the SAJC Wolf Blass “The Man” Function Centre.
The highly respected and legendary 90-year-old bounded to the stage and delivered an inspirational speech outlining his breeding journey over many years.
Wolf’s involvement in racing started in the mid-1960s owning over 400 winners nationally and also in California, USA. Wolf’s horses carried the Eagle moniker in their names in recognition of his world renown wine business. Wolf’s best horses are headed by champion dual Group 1 winning 3yo filly Dashing Eagle, other quality gallopers included Eagle Rhythm, Rising Eagle, Assertive Eagle, Impressive Eagle, Alpine Eagle.
Wolf has also been a valued mentor to many younger industry participants over his lifetime of involvement.
Wolf Blass with Matrice Award sponsors Horsemed SA Vets Dr Michael Taylor and Dr Ashley Vermeulen Photo Atkins Photography
Racing Rewards SA
Recent Order of Australia recipient Harry Perks OA was named Racing SA’s Leading Breeder, Leading Breeder Stakes winners and Individual winners.
Harry’s Toorak Breeding Trust bred 3 horse of the year finalists, Attrition, and he co-bred Rose Quartz with partner Sam Scaffidi
David Irwin was named leading Owner, Richard and Chantelle Jolly leading Trainers with Jake Toeroek leading Jockey.
Racing SA Racing rewards Leading Breeder - Harry Perks Toorak Thoroughbred Breeding Trust pictured with Rob Rorrison, Chairman, Racing SA
Gold Guru
The owners of spritely 30-year-old former champion 3-year-old 1997-1998 racing year Gold Guru were given a special video tribute of his racing career.
In a career spanning 43 starts, Gold Guru won 8 wins and 8 placings earning $2,454,860.00 while winning Group 1 races the AJC Derby, VRC Australian Guineas, STC Ranvet Stakes G1 beating champions Might and Power and Tie the Knot.
SA Bred horses continue to punch above their weight, said SA Breeders President Ralph Satchell, we have a committed group of proven breeders in SA that own high quality broodmares, these mares consistently produce Group 1 and metropolitan winners nationally year in, year out and we look forward to presenting their yearlings to the market over the coming sales season
Gold Guru a close relative of 2024 VRC Derby winner Gold Rush Guru continues to enjoy his retirement days at Mill Park SA.
