Finalists unveiled for Australian Racehorse of the Year

The nominees for the prestigious 2024/2025 Sportsbet Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards have today been announced by Racing Queensland in association with Racing Australia.

A star-studded list of finalists is headlined by the stellar crop of gallopers in the running for the top gong, including Antino, Bella Nipotina, Treasurethe Moment, Via Sistina and Broadsiding to name a few battling it out for the Australian Racehorse of the Year.

The Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards acknowledges performances on domestic racecourses, as well as international performances by locally-trained horses for the period over the 2024/25 season.

This year’s gala lunch, to be held on Sunday, August 31 at The Star Brisbane, will be hosted alongside the Sportsbet Australian Racing Hall of Fame ceremony, which will see both Winx and Black Caviar elevated to ‘Legend’ status.

Hydrogen (Horse), Mahogany (Horse), Peter Moody (Trainer), Zac Purton (Jockey), and John Tapp (Associate) have already been unveiled as this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. 

"Racing Queensland is honoured to host this year's Australian Racehorse of the Year ceremony, celebrating the stars of our sport and their outstanding achievements over the last season," RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said. 

"This year's crop of finalists across all categories are nothing short of elite, and it's great to see Queensland well represented by Knight's Choice, Antino and Cool Archie. 

"Similarly, it's fitting that the gala luncheon will see both Black Caviar and Winx elevated to 'Legend' status in the Hall of Fame, both of whom have strong ties to Queensland. 

"We look forward to welcoming participants from all corners of Australia to the Sunshine State on August 31." 

Contenders for the Champion 2YO category include Queensland’s own J.J. Atkins winner Cool Archie trained by Chris and Corey Munce, with Nepotism, Vinrock and Golden Slipper winner, Marhoona all standouts in their own right in the juveniles.

In the Champion 3YO Colt and Gelding category, Broadsiding – last season’s champion 2YO – is up against gun sprinter Private Harry whose perfect five-start career includes the Group 1 Galaxy, with Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker, and Switzerland, whose stunning victory in the Coolmore round out a very exciting lineup.  

The 3YO Filly category is down to the wire with an elite line up featuring three-time Group 1 winner Lady Shenandoah, who has proved her dominance with wins in the Flight and Surround Stakes as well as the Coolmore Classic. 

The brilliant Treasurethe Moment, whose stunning wins in the Group 1 VRC Oaks, the ATC Oaks and the Vinery place her as a very serious contender, alongside ATC Derby champion Aeliana, and Autumn Glow who has already had four wins from four starts.

The Champion Sprinter finalists feature an all-star lineup with none other than The Everest queen Bella Nipotina headlining the finalists.

Joining Bella is two-time Group 1 winner Jimmysstar, TJ Smith champion Briasa, Joliestar – who enjoyed dominant wins in the Newmarket and Kingsford Smith Cup – as well as Sunshine in Paris who stamped her brilliance in the Group 1 VRC Classic and Doomben 10,000.

Via Sistina won all before her in 24/25, with seven Group 1 victories including two of the nation’s most prestigious races in the Cox Plate and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. 

Chris Waller’s champion mare is amongst the star-studded finalists for the Champion Middle Distance category, which also includes fan favourite Mr Brightside, reigning Queensland Horse of the Year Antino and the ever-consistent mare Fangirl. 

Fighting it out for the Champion Stayer will be Caulfield Cup dynamo Duke De Sessa, alongside fairytale Melbourne Cup Winner Knight’s Choice and Group 1 Tancred winner Dubai Honour.

The Champion Jumper category will be hotly contested, with reigning winner Stern Idol looking for a third successive crown, coming up against Duke of Bedford, with Loft and Affluential also in the mix.

In addition to the equine stars, Chris Waller has clinched a 13th successive Champion Group 1 Trainer title, in a season where he broke his own record at the topflight with an astounding 19 Group 1 victories. 

Champion hoop James McDonald dominated the 24/25 racing season, amassing 15 Group 1s – only one shy of Malcolm Johnston’s all-time record. 

It was the fifth straight year that McDonald has claimed the Champion Group 1 Jockey title.

Finally, Zoustar has ended I am Invincible’s reign as Champion Sire with his progeny’s stakes earnings at just over $26 million.

Click here for more information on the 2025 Sportsbet Australian Racehorse of the Year and Australian Racing Hall of Fame gala lunch.

2024/2025 AUSTRALIAN RACEHORSE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS