The recently retired Dalakhani was named Cartier Horse of the Year last night in London. The once beaten son of Darshaan was also named champion three year old colt. Suffering his sole defeat in the Irish Derby, the Prix du Jockey Club winner won his last two starts culminating in a solid win in the Arc. He will stand alongside his half brother, Daylami, at Gillstown Stud in Ireland next year. 

Falbrav, coming off a narrow third place in the Breeders Cup Turf to Johar and High Chaparral, was named champion older horse. The son of Fairy King won all of the Prix d’Isaphan, Eclipse Stakes, Juddmonte International and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes this year. He runs next at Sha Tin in the International meeting before retiring to stud in Japan. 

The consistent Russian Rhythm was named champion three year old filly following a hatrick of group one wins in the English 1000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes and Nassau Stakes before a game second to Falbrav in the QEII. The daughter of Kingmambo was then unplaced in the Champion Stakes but stays in training next year. 

The Ballydoyle stable had a disappointing year by their high standards but their One Cool Cat top-class, winning 4 of 5 starts. The son of Storm Cat was named champion two year old colt following wins in the Phoenix and National Stakes in Ireland. One Cool Cat is currently a warm favourite for next year’s English 2000 Guineas. 

Mark Johnston’s two year olds carried all before them this year and there was none better than unbeaten Attraction. She was named champion two year old filly ahead of group one winners Carry On Katie and Red Bloom. Winner of both the Queen Mary and Cherry Hinton Stakes, a fractured pedal bone prematurely ended the Efisio filly’s season.  

There was no horse more popular than Persian Punch. The huge gelding was named champion stayer again after a season which included wins in the Goodwood, Doncaster and Jockey Club Cups. The ten year old was also second to Mr Dinos in the Ascot Gold Cup on his seventh attempt at the Gold Cup. The season proved record breaking for the giant who broke the million pound mark when winning the Jockey Club Cup by a short head from Millenary.  

The lightening fast Oasis Dream was named champion sprinter. The son of Green Desert won both the July Cup and Nunthorpe Stakes impressively. He was also second to Somnus in the Haydock Spring Cup in heavy going and third to Australian sensation Choisir in the King’s Stand Stakes on his three year old debut. Unplaced in the Breeders Cup Mile on his final start, he retires to Banstead Manor Stud next year. 

An award of merit was presented to Lord John Oaksey.