One of Australia’s favourite racehorses has tonight been crowned as his state’s best.
The Cleaner was a popular winner of the Horse of the Year crown at the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Awards at a dinner in Launceston.
Trained by Mick Burles, The Cleaner was one of three Magic Millions graduates as finalists in the big award – Banco Mo and Genuine Lad – were the others along with homebreds Admiral and Geegees Blackflash.
The Cleaner, bred by Owen and Sandra Atkins, was purchased by trainer Mick Burles for $10,000 at the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale at Launceston. As it stands he’s already earned over $1 million and judging on his recent outstanding first up run he’s in for another great campaign.
In other awards Gee Gees Top Notch won the Magic Millions 2YO of the Year and Admiral won the Star Thoroughbreds 3YO of the Year.
Another highlight of the night was the elevation of former jockey Geoff Prouse as Legend in the Tasmanian Hall of Fame.
New inductees to the Hall of Fame tonight were horses St Albans and Mendeara Etoile, jockey William Bevis, trainers Leon Wells and Neil Richardson and associates David Yaxley and Robyn Whishaw of Armidale Stud.
Leviathan owners Paul and Elizabeth Geard won the TROA Leading Owner Award for a fifth consecutive season, while David Pires and Ismail Toker were the leading jockey and apprentice respectively.
Scott Brunton was the Leading Trainer with 60 winners for an impressive sixth year in a row after five straight with his father in partnership.
Grenville Stud received an Industry Recognition Award for breeding Mongolian Khan, while the Industry Award was won by The Cleaner’s trainer Mick Burles.
Completing the winners on the night were:
- Wordsmith – Leading Tasmanian-based Juvenile Stallion
- Savoire Vivre – Leading Tasmanian-based Sire
- Centafit – Leading Broodmare
- Geegees Goldengirl – Leading Racemare of Filly
