Friday 4 December 2015 21:36, UK
Anthony Oppenheimer, owner and breeder of Golden Horn, was been crowned racehorse 'Owner of the Year' for 2015 by members of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) at their 34th annual awards, sponsored by Weatherbys, in London on Thursday evening.
The prestigious award was collected by Oppenheimer and his daughter Emily following the winning performance of his colt in four Group One races including the Investec Derby and Europe's richest race, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Golden Horn also scooped the 'Outstanding Middle Distance Horse' award meaning the colt's owner gained an impressive hat-trick of awards on the night.
Jump racing was represented in style by Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning novice chaser Coneygree - owned by the Max Partnership - who won both the 'Outstanding Chaser' and 'Novice Chaser' awards, fending off competition from Vautour and Un De Sceaux.
Susannah Ricci was honoured with two awards, picking up the 'Outstanding Hurdler' prize with Faugheen and the 'Outstanding Novice Hurdler' with Douvan, receiving the awards with her husband Rich Ricci.
Brown Panther was recognised by ROA members and was posthumously awarded the 'Outstanding Stayer' award. Andrew Black and Michael Owen were in attendance to receive the award.
Chester and Kempton Park Racecourses were named as the best in Britain for racehorse owners.
The two venues were among 12 of the country's 60 racecourses awarded Gold Standard status during the autumn.
Alan Pickering, Chairman of the ROA Raceday Committee, said: "Chester has a reputation for making all racegoers feel special, partly because of its exceptional owners' restaurant in the centre of the racecourse.
"It is heartening to report that the racecourse executive ensures that owners feel extra special. We regularly receive unsolicited positive comments from those of our members who have been lucky enough to have a horse run at Chester.
"Kempton Park's imposing buildings host a few high days each year. However, most of the racing is of an aspirational nature for those owners whose horses have not yet fulfilled their ambitions. Whenever you go to Kempton as an owner, you feel that every member of staff appreciates the contribution which owners make to British racing. This warm welcome is very well received by our members, as is the much-improved owners' facility overlooking the paddock. Win or lose, you go home from Kempton on a high."
Full awards list: