Motivator Crowned Horse Of The Year Vodafone Derby hero Motivator landed the top honour at the third British Horseracing Board Flat racing awards in London today. Also successful in the totesport Dante Stakes, the Michael Bell-trained star sparked joyous scenes at Epsom in June as members of the 230-strong Royal Ascot Racing Club syndicate packed the winner´s enclosure. As well as being named Horse of the Year, the now-retired son of Montjeu also scooped the title of champion three-year-old colt. In front of a specially-invited audience of over 210 people, including Minister for Sport Richard Caborn, BHB chairman Martin Broughton presented trophies to the winners of the 15 award categories. Azamour was confirmed as the top-ranked European horse of 2005 and picked up the champion middle distance and champion older male horse awards. For the second consecutive year, Soviet Song was champion older female, with Flashy Wings collecting the champion two-year-old filly title. Other winners included Sir Percy in the two-year-old colt category, Shamardal as champion miler, and Pastoral Pursuits as champion sprinter. Each award went to the highest-rated horse in the respective rankings category, provided the horse was either trained in Britain or, if trained abroad, achieved the category-topping rating on a British racecourse. The awards for champion owner, trainer, jockey and apprentice jockey - won by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, Sir Michael Stoute, Kieren Fallon and Philip Makin respectively - were based on prize money earned in 2005. Broughton said: “2005 once again saw British Flat racing lead the way in quality and diversity, and the BHB Awards offer lasting recognition to those who helped to make our sport what it is. “Motivator made his mark last season beyond the confines of the racing industry, helping to promote the scope and thrill of racehorse ownership. “His relatively inexpensive purchase price as a yearling also gives hope to all of us who would like to own a Derby winner. “There were a number of contenders for the Horse of The Year award, but he fitted the bill in achieving an outstanding level of racecourse performance and raising the profile of British racing.” BHB award winners: Two-year-old colt: Sir Percy (rated 121) Two-year-old filly: Flashy Wings (115) Three-year-old colt: Motivator (125) Three-year-old filly: Eswarah (115) Older male horse: Azamour (126) Older female horse: Soviet Song (119) Champion sprinter: Pastoral Pursuits (118) Champion miler: Shamardal (125) Champion middle-distance: Azamour Champion stayer: Westerner Champion apprentice: Phillip Makin Champion jockey: Kieren Fallon Champion trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Champion owner: Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum Horse Of The Year: Motivator
