Conquering named Tasmanian Horse of the Year

Conquering was the star of the show at the Tasmanian Racing Awards on Saturday night when he was a unanimous selection as Tasmanian Horse of the Year.

Conquering, a son of Greta West sire Dangerous, earned maximum points from every member of the judging panel after six wins on home soil including five at weight-for-age.

Conquering’s dam Currently (Acidity), who died in August 2007, was named Broodmare of the Year.  His winning streak was also an integral part of Charlie Goggin’s 12th trainers’ premiership.  Goggin scored by a margin of four wins over John Blacker.

Outstanding two-year-old Capone, a son of Swettenham sire Dash For Cash, won the 2yo award courtesy of his three feature race wins at the end of the season.  Lyell, by Armidale Stud sire Tough Speed, was voted the leading 3yo after his wins in the Tasmanian Guineas and 3YO Classic.

Popular trainer Gary White was inducted into the Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame along with former champion jockey Max Baker.  The HOF committee also awarded posthumous inductions to Bill Wells (trainer), Tony Skeoch (jockey), Joe Brown (broadcaster) Darrell Eaton (bookmaker).

Former star sprinter-miler Royal Rambo (Northern Chateau) and quality staying mare Vamos (Commands) were popular inductions into the horse category of the HOF.

Brendon McCoull accepted his 10th leading jockeys’ title and boom apprentice Jason Maskiell, who recently relocated to Melbourne, won the apprentice’s premiership and finished outright third on the senior rider’s table.

The State’s leading owner award was shared by Runnymede Stud syndicate (managed by Lindy Goggin) and Paul and Elizabeth Geard.  They both ended the season with eight winners.

The Examiner’s chief racing writer Greg Mansfield and Win TV presenter Brent Costelloe received the inaugural media awards.