Champion jumper West Coast was named the 2024/25 RACE Horse of the Year at the annual RACE Awards held at Awapuni on Sunday evening, where close to 200 guests gathered to celebrate another outstanding season of racing achievements.
West Coast cemented his reputation as New Zealand’s premier jumper with a third consecutive victory in the Grand National Steeplechase and a second triumph in the Great Northern Steeplechase, the country’s two most prestigious jumping events.
Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta secured her fourth straight Hoult Contractors Ltd Trainer of the Year title after another successful season, highlighted by the stakes win of Platinum Diamond. Latta also claimed the Power Farming Synthetic Trainer of the Year with an unassailable lead heading into the final meeting.
The NZB 2 & 3YO of the Year was awarded to the Roydon Bergerson-trained Too Sweet, whose dominant victory in the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie—defeating Group 1 winner La Dorada—was one of the standout performances of the season.
Ownership honours went to Tineke Balcombe and IntoWin Syndications, who fittingly collected the IntoWin.co.nz Owner of the Year award. Their filly Intention delivered Group 2 success in the Wakefield Challenge Stakes at Trentham.
Jockey awards were shared between two standout riders. Leah Hemi was crowned The Pavemasters Jockey of the Year after her best season to date, riding 58 winners to finish just outside the top 10 on the New Zealand Premiership. Recent Central Districts arrival Bruno Queiroz took home the Power Farming Synthetic Jockey of the Year title.
Behind the scenes, Tylah Mercer, from the Mike Breslin stable, was recognised with the Crowley Forge Master Farriers Ltd Strapper of the Year award.
The evening concluded with a special presentation to Craig McNeill, who received the Humphries Construction Outstanding Contribution to Racing award. A Feilding Committee member since 1993, McNeil has served as President and contributed to numerous racing committees over three decades, while also remaining a loyal owner with trainer Lisa Latta since her early years.
Humphries Construction Outstanding Contribution to Racing: Craig McNeil
Hoult Contractors Ltd Trainer of the Year: Lisa Latta
Other finalists: Kevin & Stephen Gray, Mike Breslin, Shaun & Hazel Fannin, Mark Oulaghan, Royden Bergerson
RACE Synthetic Trainer of the Year: Lisa Latta
The Pavemasters Jockey of the Year : Leah Hemi
Other finalists: Kavish Chowdhoory, Jonathan Riddell, Jimmy Chung, Toni Davis, Shaun Fannin, Portia Matthews
Power Farming Synthetic Jockey of the Year: Bruno Queiroz
InToWin.co.nz Owner of the Year: IntoWin.co.nz
Other finalists: Ron Williamson & Family, Chris & Donna Rutten, Graham Stewart, Neville McAlister
Crowley Forge Master Farriers Ltd Strapper of the Year: Tylah Mercer
Other finalists: Aidan Thorn, Margaret Baylis, Ashleigh McIntyre, Hannah Grant
Equivets NZ Broodmare of the Year: Strictly Maternal
Other finalists: Shanina, Jonquil
New Zealand Bloodstock 2 or 3YO of the Year: Too Sweet
Other finalists: Connello, Intention, Platinum Diamonds
Equus Vets Jumper of the Year: West Coast
Other finalists: Berry The Cash, Jesko
RACE Horse of the Year: West Coast