Chris Waller secured his 14th Bart Cummings Medal as New South Wales racing’s biggest achiever of the past racing season, while his champion mare Via Sistina was named NSW Champion Horse of the Year, weeks after winning the equivalent honour in Victoria.
The Bart Cummings Medal is decided by votes from seven Sydney racing journalists with Waller again determined as the shining star of New South Wales racing.
With 105 points, he defeated James McDonald on 71 points and trainer Bjorn Baker on 64 points.
He also claimed the TJ Smith Award by winning the Sydney Trainers’ Premiership for the 15th successive season.
“Chris Waller’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. He continues to raise the bar for excellence in our sport, setting records that will inspire future generations of trainers and racing enthusiasts alike,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said.
“The unwavering dedication of Chris and his remarkable team shines a spotlight on the very best of Australian racing. Winning both the Bart Cummings Medal and the TJ Smith Award is a testament to their world-class standards, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations.”
McDonald snared his ninth George Moore Award, while Braith Nock won his first Theo Green Award for leading Sydney apprentice.
Baker, who emerged as major force in New South Wales racing last season, was awarded the Caryl Williamson NSW Racing Writers’ Personality of the Year.
“This trainer is a great advertisement for Sydney racing. His passion and enthusiasm for the sport is infectious. Bjorn gets as much joy out of winning a midweek maiden as he does when he lands a Group 1 success,” Daily Telegraph journalist Ray Thomas said.
“He is widely respected among the racing media for his availability for interviews with print, radio and television media, and his willingness to assist in presenting his runners and Sydney racing in a positive light. Bjorn is a deserved winner of this year’s Caryl Williamson Racing Media Personality of the Year Award.”
The Straight News Desk
Leonard Todd won the Sydney Strapper of the Year, while breeder and owner Debbie Kepitis won the NSWROA Industry Recognition Award.
NSW Racehorse Owners award winners were:
Marhoona (Buildgroup Services Australia NSW Champion Two-Year-Old)
Lady Shenandoah (Inglis NSW Champion Three-Year-Old)
Bella Nipotina (Australian Turf Club NSW Champion Sprinter)
Ceolwulf (Wild Oaks NSW Champion Miler)
Via Sistina (Woppitt Bloodstock NSW Champion Middle Distance Horse)
Arapaho (IKON Services Australia NSW Champion Stayer)
Lady Shenandoah (Baumgartners & Morgan+English NSW Queen of the Autumn)
Front Page (Sky Thoroughbred Central NSW Country Champion Horse)
Private Harry (Sky Thoroughbred Central NSW Provincial Champion Horse)
Via Sistina (TAB NSW Champion Horse of the Year)
