Motivator is BHB Horse of the Year

Motivator was hailed Horse of the Year at the British Horseracing Board’s (BHB) annual Flat racing awards in London. The runaway Vodafone Derby winner, who was retired to stud in October was also declared champion three-year-old colt. Kieren Fallon was named Champion Jockey for a second year and Philip Makin became Champion Apprentice.

“Motivator made his mark last season beyond the confines of the racing industry, helping to promote the scope and thrill of racehorse ownership,” said BHB Chairman Martin Broughton, “His relatively inexpensive purchase price as a yearling also gives hope to all of us who would like to own a Derby winner.”

Each BHB Award was won by the highest-rated horse in the respective Rankings category, provided that the horse was either trained in Britain or, if trained abroad, achieved the category-topping rating on a British racecourse. The Awards for Champion Owner, Trainer, Jockey and Apprentice Jockey – won by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, Sir Michael Stoute, Kieren Fallon and Philip Makin respectively – were based on prize money earned in 2005.

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