Fantastic Light is “Horse of the Year”

15 November 2001

Fantastic Light has won racing’s coverted “Horse of the Year” title at the Cartier Racing Awards

Fantastic Light, whose four Group 1 victories culminated in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, haswon the coveted title of “Horse of the Year” at the prestigious Cartier Racing Awards.

Godolphin’s Fantastic Light, who beat dual Derby winner in that momentous race for the Irish Champion Stakes in September, also won the older horse award from his stable companion, Sakhee, runaway winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Unbeaten Johannesburg, who crowned his season in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, took the two-year-old colt award, while Queen’s Logic, who made it four out of four in the Cheveley Park Stakes, received the two-year-old filly award.

Banks Hill, so impressive in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and again in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, wins the three-year-old filly award; Mozart is the “Sprinter of the Year”and Persian Punch the stayer.

The Daily Telegraph made a special award to John Magnier, the moving force behind Coolmore Stud, home of 50 stallions worldwide. Magnier’s horses, trained by the brilliant Aidan O’Brien, won a world record 23 Group 1 races during the year.

Jeremy Deedes, managing director of the Daily Telegraph, presented Magnier with his award and said: “John has enjoyed many years of success within the industry but it is wholly appropriate that we recognise his contribution following such an outstanding season.”