The NSW Racing Owners Association’s Night of Champions was a triumph for Proven Thoroughbreds, claiming two awards in the red carpet affair at Randwick’s Ballroom Thursday night.
With an unprecedented four nominations, Proven’s double was also the first time we’ve secured an award at the annual event. Sprinter of the year THINK ABOUT IT & PRIVATE EYE were both contenders for that title, IN FLIGHT was a clear victor in the number of BOBS Bonuses accrued during 23/24 and THINK ABOUT IT, whilst outpointed by FANGIRL, was in contention for the prestigious Horse of the Year.
Had the ultimate honour been based on the calendar year, it may have been a different story. In 2023, THINK ABOUT IT charged through his grades stringing together a remarkable nine consecutive victories that included a LISTED race, a GROUP 3, a GROUP 2, a pair of GROUP 1’s and THE EVEREST.
Congratulations to NSW Sprinter of the Year, THINK ABOUT IT!@PrideRacing @ProvenTbreds @aus_turf_club @SkyRacingAU pic.twitter.com/cbfhqtkLRL
— NSWROA (@nswroa) August 29, 2024
The surprise defeat in the WINNERS’ STAKES in November preceded a winless 4 start campaign in the autumn of this year which ultimately proved costly in the final analysis for Horse of the Year, or more specifically horse of the season.
Trainer Joe Pride is confident the rangy gelding is back to his best on the doorstep of another spring program which is due to kick off on October 5 in the PREMIER STAKES at Randwick, just like last year. Trials on September 9 and 23 will prepare the 6yo for his resumption.
Meantime the ageless warrior PRIVATE EYE makes his return to the spring stage on Saturday September 7 in the GROUP 3 CONCORDE STAKES of 1000m at Randwick. The $1m contest heralds the countdown to the richest race on turf, THE EVEREST on October 19.
Special mention must also be made of IN FLIGHT. The durable mare rocketed to the top of the BOBS rankings with 5 trips to the winner’s circle through the 23/24 season that included a quartet of bonus cheques in a hectic 65 days of winter competition.
The final highlight from our perspective was the very deserving award accorded to the Kerry Parker-trained THINK IT OVER, the Provincial Horse of the Year.
There haven’t been too many provincial horses capable of winning a QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES nor have horses returning from serious tendon injuries been as competitive in GROUP 1 company as this high quality galloper. So, it’s hats off to Kerry and his staff for a massive achievement.