Trainers in running for honours after international and cup feats

Racing Victoria has named Cindy Alderson, Henry Dwyer, Tony and Calvin McEvoy, and Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman as finalists for the 2025-26 Most Outstanding Training Performance award ahead of Saturday night’s Victorian Racing Awards.

The winner of the award, presented by Maddocks, will be announced at the awards ceremony, which will be livestreamed on Racing.com’s digital platforms.

Alderson was nominated after Jigsaw won seven of eight starts, including Group 1 victories in the Railway Stakes and William Reid Stakes, and the $5 million The Quokka.

Dwyer earned recognition for Asfoora’s European campaign, which featured Group 1 wins in the Nunthorpe Stakes and Prix de l’Abbaye and culminated in the mare being crowned Europe’s champion sprinter.

Tony and Calvin McEvoy were shortlisted after preparing Half Yours to complete the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double following his emergence through the spring staying ranks.

Moody and Coleman secured a nomination after Sheza Alibi won five stakes races, highlighted by Group 1 victories in the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile.

The award recognises the most outstanding performance by a Victorian-licensed trainer or training partnership during the 2025-26 season, including interstate and international achievements, with the recipient determined by a panel of racing officials, journalists and broadcasters.

The Victorian Racing Awards will also feature the presentation of the 31st Scobie Breasley Medal and other season honours.