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The basis for awarding the equine categories for the Equus Awards from the 2023/2024 season has been altered from the previous season.
The final list of nominees for each award will be derived from the final points standings amongst the relevant categories. The panel of judges will then use the tables derived from the points system as a guide when making their final decision.
There is no longer a public vote. According to the Sporting Post, "The change likely happened due to the furore over the Equus Middle Distance award last year. SEE IT AGAIN had won the Gr1 Splashout Cape Derby, the Gr1 Daily News 2000 and he was a 0,25 length second to WINCHESTER MANSION in the Hollywoodbets Durban July on terms 5,5kg worse than weight for age."
"Yet the public obviously blindly voted for the July winner and another problem was that the points system excludes age-group events. This year a similar situation has arisen," explains the Sporting Post.
To avert another controversy, the committe will use a a rule that allows discretion to be used.
The Equus Committee has the option, however, once the final season points tables are concluded, to include certain horses in distance categories despite their low(er) points tallies, if the committee is of the opinion that doing so is justified.
There has not been an Equus Awards press release about the final points standings for the equine section of the Equus Awards.
So all will be revealed at the Equus Awards ceremony that will be held on 15 August at the newly renovated Hollywoodbets Kenilworth race course in Cape Town.