Rodney Dunn accepts his award. MC Rouvaun Smit is in the background
Longstanding WPOTA Chairman Rodney Dunn received a well deserved acknowledgement for service to the racing industry from the Cape Breeders Club at the Cape Awards evening held at Nooitgedacht last night.
Together with Justin Snaith’s special achievement award for breaking the SA record of winners in a season, the acknowledgement of two of the Cape’s foremost individuals from different generations, was the evening’s highlight.
Dunn’s award came as a surprise to him, as he was visibly taken aback at the announcement.
In November 2012 Rodney Dunn was presented with an honorary life vice-presidency of the WPRC to mark his work for the Western Province Owners’ and Trainers’ Association. Dunn had been at the held of the now defunct owner body for over three decades and was acknowledged to have raised many millions of rands for charity.
Proud Family! Chris and Justin Snaith had a great season
Justin Snaith was crowned champion trainer and also received the special achievement award after breaking the previous SA record of 174 winners in a season. He ended on a total of 198.
In a delightful gesture, Snaith invited his entire team to the podium and gave an emotionally charged speech, acknowledging all those that had assisted him. This included his father Chris and mother Sue, who have been instrumental in creating the foundation for the outstanding family operation.
On the equine front there were few surprises with SA Horse Of The Year Variety Club sweeping the boards with four awards.
Mike Bass’ recent Gold Cup winner Jeppe’s Reef picked up both stayer awards,while Joey Ramsden’s smart Western Winter colt Red Ray won Juvenile Male of the Year, despite only winning the Listed Somerset 1200 and not running in the major Cape 2yo features later in the season.
Varsfontein Stud were delighted to receive the outstanding new stallion award for the sensational Judpot, who has set the the record books alight.
The awards are divided into two sections with the Racing Association and Cape Breeders Club allocating their own individual awards.
Cape Racing Awards 2012/13:
Juvenile Male of the Year: RED RAY
Juvenile Filly of the Year: HAPPY VALENTINE
3 Year Old Male of the Year: CAPETOWN NOIR
3 Year Old Filly of the Year: ALL IS SECRET
Older Male of the Year: VARIETY CLUB
Older Female of the Year: THUNDER DANCE
Champion Sprinter of the Year: WHAT A WINTER
Champion Middle Distance of the Year: VARIETY CLUB
Champion Stayer of the Year: JEPPE’S REEF
Champion Trainer: JUSTIN SNAITH
Champion Jockey: BERNARD FAYD’HERBE
Special Achievement: JUSTIN SNAITH
Big Winner. Var’s son Variety Club grabbed the limelight
Cape Breeders Awards 2012/13:
Champion 2 Year Old Colt : KOCHKA (DANIKA STUD)
Champion 2 Year Old Filly : ALONG CAME POLLY (VARSFONTEIN STUD)
Champion 3 Year Old Colt : VERCINGETORIX (KLAWERVLEI STUD)
Champion 3 Year Old Filly : CHERRY ON THE TOP (MAURITZFONTEIN STUD)
Champion Older Male : VARIETY CLUB (BEAUMONT STUD)
Champion Older Female : THUNDER DANCE (KLAWERVLEI STUD)
Champion Sprinter : WHAT A WINTER (DAYTONA STUD)
Middle Distance : VARIETY CLUB (BEAUMONT STUD)
Stayer of the Year : JEPPE’S REEF (DRAKENSTEIN STUD)
Broodmare of the Year : AKINFEET (LAMMERSKRAAL STUD)
Outstanding New Stallion : JUDPOT (VARSFONTEIN STUD)
International Horse Of The Year : SHEA SHEA (KLAWERVLEI STUD)
Outstanding Breeder : HIGHLANDS FARM STUD
Outstanding Service To Racing : RODNEY DUNN
