THE WINNERS Big Buck's crowned Horse of the Year
The public has elected Big Buck’s their Horse of the Year after the inaugural vote for the prestigious title.
The Champion Staying Hurdler usurped stablemate Kauto Star, last year’s winner, securing 32% per cent of over 1,500 votes cast on britishhorseracing.com and was declared the winner at the Awards by special guest James Nesbitt.
While Big Buck’s unbeaten season won over the hearts of the voting public, Imperial Commander earned his place as runner-up in the contest following his courageous performance in the totesport Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Officials from both the British and Irish Authorities decided to make the celebrated Horse of the Year Award vote public to celebrate yet another vintage season for British and Irish Jump Racing, having nominated the shortlist based on the five horses’ official rating and role in promoting the sport.
The five shortlisted contenders (in the order voted by the public) were:
1.Big Buck’s: Trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by The Stewart Family 2.Imperial Commander: Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and owned by Our Friends In The North 3.Kauto Star: Trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Clive Smith 4.Denman: Trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Harry Findlay and Paul Barber 5.Binocular: Trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by J P McManus
Champion Jockey
AP McCoy Champion Trainer
Paul Nicholls Champion Conditional Jockey
Rhys Flint Champion 3 mile Chaser
Kauto Star Champion 2 1/2 mile Chaser
Albertas Run Champion 2 mile Chaser
Big Zeb Champion Novice Chaser
Sizing Europe and Tataniano Champion 2 1/2 mile+ Hurdler
Big Buck's Champion 2m Hurdler
Binocular Champion Novice Hurdler
Peddlers Cross and Menorah
