The Mike de Kock-trained unbeaten three-year-old filly Gimme A Nother was named Horse Of The Season at the Highveld Feature Season Awards 2024 at The Galleria in Sandton on Saturday, hosted by leading horse racing operator 4Racing, having earlier been named Champion Three-year-old Filly.
The Nathan Kotzen-trained KZN-based horse Royal Victory also walked away with two awards, the Champion Older Horse and the Champion Middle Distance Horse.
He was unlucky to have run there in the same season as the outstanding Gimme A Nother, because in any other year he would have walked away with the Horse Of The Season award too.
He not only won the Highveld’s two biggest races by tradition, the Gr 1 Betway Summer Cup and the Gr 1 weight for age Premier’s Champions Challenge, both over 2000m on Turffontein Standside, but he made history in the process.
He became the first out of province horse to ever win the Premier’s.
He was only the second out of province horse to win the Summer Cup this millennium, the first being the Dylan Cunha-trained Strategic News in 2007.
The awards celebrated and honoured the outstanding achievements of the season’s top performers.
Gimme A Nother, trained by Mike de Kock and owned by Mauritzfontein (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mrs JB Jell), has won all of her seven races, including the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic and the Grade 1 Empress Club Stakes.
The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight will soon be flying out to the USA to continue her racing career.
The evening was a glittering affair, showcasing the finest talents in Highveld racing and commemorating the culmination of a thrilling season that concluded with the Championships Finale on 27 April. With excitement in the air and anticipation at its peak, the awards ceremony unfolded, revealing the deserving winners across various categories, each awarded for their exceptional contributions to the sport.
Among the highlights of the evening were the prestigious awards presented to the following champions:
Champion Two-Year-Old Filly: Little Ballerina
Champion Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Fire Attack
Champion Three-Year-Old Filly: Gimme A Nother
Champion Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Main Defender
Champion Older Filly/Mare: Feather Boa
Champion Older Horse: Royal Victory
Champion Sprinter: Thunderstruck
Champion Middle Distance Horse: Royal Victory
Champion Stayer: Purple Pitcher
Horse Of The Season: GIMME A NOTHER
In addition to these equine accolades, the event also recognised outstanding individuals and entities within the racing community:
Champion Work Rider: Anathi Feni
Champion Apprentice: Malesela Katjedi
Champion Breeder of the Season: Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein
Champion Owner of the Season: Mauritzfontein (PTY) Ltd (Nom: Mrs JB Jell)
Champion Jockey of the Season: Richard Fourie
Champion Trainer of the Season: Mike de Kock
The awards were determined through a meticulous voting process led by Nico Kritsiotis, chairman of the panel, along with esteemed judges Jack Milner and Bradley Ralph.
Their dedication ensured that each recipient truly exemplified excellence in their respective categories.
“It is truly an honour for 4Racing to be at the forefront of an occasion that not only celebrates excellence but also highlights the unwavering dedication and remarkable talent within the horse racing community.
“This event serves as a testament to the passion and commitment shared by all involved in this exhilarating sport. I extend my sincerest congratulations to all the winners and nominees, whose contributions have enriched the framework of Highveld racing.
“Together, we continue to elevate the standard of excellence in our beloved sport,” said Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO.
4Racing extends its congratulations to all the winners and nominees on yet another successful Highveld Feature Season Awards.
