Dundeel wins NZ Horse of the Year award

Friday 15 August 2014, 2:08pm

Dundeel has been honoured as New Zealand's Horse of the Year for his deeds in Australia in his final season of racing.

His wins in the Underwood Stakes, in which he inflicted the only defeat on Atlantic Jewel, and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, earned him the title over Silent Achiever, winner of the Ranvet Stakes and BMW during the Sydney autumn.

Dundeel, who raced as It's A Dundeel in Australia and was trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, was retired after the Queen Elizabeth to stand at Arrowfield Stud with his owners' group retaining an interest in the five-year-old.

Speaking at Thursday night's ceremony on behalf of the syndicate which raced him, Murray Andersen said the horse's victory over Atlantic Jewel stood out.

"I think the win over Atlantic Jewel was the highlight of a career of which there have been many," Andersen said.

"I know Coolmore Stud thought she was unbeatable that day so for the New Zealand industry, this was one for us."

Dundeel was also named the middle-distance champion while Silent Achiever gained the champion stayer award.

Veteran jockey David Walsh was recognised for his record-breaking career with an outstanding achievement award.

In April, Walsh bettered Lance O'Sullivan's record for the most winners ridden in New Zealand when he racked up No. 2360.

O'Sullivan retired in 2003 while the 54-year-old Walsh continues to ride.

Silent Achiever's sire O'Reilly made a clean sweep of the three stallions awards for the second successive year for his progeny's earnings in New Zealand, Australasia and worldwide.

O'Reilly's son Sacred Falls was his other stand-out performer, winning his second Doncaster Mile.

– AAP

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