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Perhaps the oldest version of what we might now recognize as a year-end determination of racing performance is the British Free Handicap, an assessment of two-year-olds by the official Jockey Club handicapper. The earliest reference to it is to a 1905 edition. Prior to 1928, only limited information on winners is available. An asterisk marks fillies that were rated higher than the colt/gelding of the same year. The margin is the number of pounds rated above the next highest-rated horse. Margins in () are the margin between that horse and the horse in the opposite sex.
| Year | Colt/Gelding | Filly |
|---|---|---|
| 1908 | Bayardo | |
| 1909 | Neil Gow | |
| 1912 | Craganour | |
| 1915 | Fifinella | |
| 1918 | The Panther | |
| 1919 | Tetratema | |
| 1924 | Picaroon - (1) | Saucy Sue* - 1 |
| 1928 | Costaki Pasha, Mr. Jinks - (1) | Tiffin* - 1 |
| 1929 | Diolite - 1 | Fair Isle - (4) |
| 1930 | Jacopo, Portlaw | Turtle Soup - (6) |
| 1931 | Mannamead, Orwell | Gela - (14) |
| 1932 | Manitoba - (6) | Myrobella* - 3 |
| 1933 | Colombo - 7 | Campanula - (7) |
| 1934 | Bahram - 1 | Caretta - (12) |
| 1935 | Bala Hissar - 1 | Sansonnet - (6) |
| 1936 | Foray - 1 | Carissa - (8) |
| 1937 | Portmarnock - 1 | Radiant - (4) |
| 1938 | Foxbrough - 4 | Scenery - (8) |
| 1939 | Tant Mieux† - 1 | Golden Penny - (3) |
| 1940 | Poise‡ - 3 | Keystone - (3) |
| 1941 | Big Game - (1) | Sun Chariot* - 1 |
| 1942 | Nasrullah - (1) | Lady Syvil* - 1 |
| 1943 | Orestes - 2 | Fair Fame - (3) |
| 1944 | Dante - 1 | Isle of Capri - (4) |
| 1945 | Gulf Stream - 2 | Neolight - (3)( |
| 1946 | Tudor Minstrel - 2 | Missolonghi† - (12) |
| 1947 | My Babu - 2 | Fair Dinah - (10) |
| 1948 | Abernant - 2 | Ballisland, Integrity - (10) |
| 1949 | Masked Light - 2 | Diableretta† - (6) |
| 1950 | Big Dipper - 2 | Belle of All, Gamble in Gold - (8) |
| 1951 | Windy City - 5 | Zabara - (5) |
| 1952 | Nearula - 2 | Bebe Grande, Neemah - (2) |
| 1953 | The Pie King - 2 | Sixpence - (7) |
| 1954 | Our Babu - 1 | Gloria Nicky - (3) |
| 1955 | Buisson Ardent - (4) | Star of India* - 4 |
| 1956 | Pipe of Peace - (2) | Sarcelle* - 2 |
| 1957 | Major Portion - 1 | Rich and Rare - (3) |
| 1958 | Tudor Melody - 2 | Lindsay, Rosalba - (5) |
| 1959 | Sing Sing - 3 | Paddy's Sister - (6) |
| 1960 | Typhoon - (1) | Opaline* - 1 |
| 1961 | Miralgo - (6) | La Tendresse* - 4 |
| 1962 | Crocket - 3 | Noblesse - (3) |
| 1963 | Talahasse - 1 | Mesopotamia - (5) |
| 1964 | Double Jump - 2 | Night Off - (9) |
| 1965 | Young Emperor - 4 | Soft Angels - (7) |
| 1966 | Bold Lad - 3 | Fleet - (11) |
| 1967 | Petingo - 1 | Sovereign - (6) |
| 1968 | Ribofilio - 2 | Folle Rousse - (4) |
| 1969 | Nijinsky - 2 | Humble Duty - (7) |
| 1970 | My Swallow - 1 | Cawston's Pride - (3) |
| 1971 | Crowned Prince - 2 | Rose Dubarry - (6) |
| 1972 | Noble Decree - (3) | Jacinth* - 3 |
| 1973 | Apalachee - 5 | Bitty Girl, Gentle Thoughts, Melchbourne - (13) |
| 1974 | Grundy - 1 | Cry of Truth - (2) |
| 1975 | Wollow - 5 | Pasty - (8) |
| 1976 | J O Tobin - 5 | Durtal - (13) |
| 1977 | Try My Best - 3 | Cherry Hinton - (4) |
| 1978 | Tromos - 5 | Devon Ditty, Formulate - (6) |
| 1979 | Monteverdi - 1 | Mrs Penny - (2) |
†As the Free Handicap was intended for British-trained horses, French-trained horse were omitted thrice, despite beating the highweight. These are: Djebel in 1939, who beat Tant Mieux in the Middle Park Stakes; Djerba in 1946, who beat Missolonghi in the Cheveley Park Stakes; and Corejada in 1949, who beat Diableretta in the Cheveley Park Stakes.
‡Gelding
In 1980, the Free Handicap became the European Free Handicap and was opened to horses trained in other countries.
| Year | Colt/Gelding | Filly |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Storm Bird - 1 | Marwell, Tolmi - (6) |
| 1981 | Green Forest - 3 | Circus Ring, Height of Fashion, Play it Safe - (9) |
| 1982 | Diesis - 1 | Ma Biche - (6) |
| 1983 | El Gran Senor - 1 | Almeira - (8) |
| 1984 | Kala Dancer - 1 | Triptych - (2) |
| 1985 | Bakharoff - 1 | Baiser Volé - (3) |
| 1986 | Reference Point - 2 | Forest Flower - (2) |
| 1987 | Warning - 0 | Ravinella - 0 |
| 1988 | High Estate - 1 | Tersa, Tessla - (7) |
In 1920, the British Free Handicap was replicated with the American Experimental Free Handicap, from W. S. Vosburgh, explicitly a reflection of two-year-old form only, and only including horses he had personally seen run, thus resulting in a limited pool. The following year, he published the 1921 edition. In 1933, The Jockey Club began publishing its official rankings, and this version of the Experimental Free Handicap was continued until 2017 (except for 1934), when it was replaced with the Jockey Club's Top 2-Year-Old Rankings. These were in turn ended in 2019. In the early years of the Experimental Free Handicap, it was one of several handicap lists for the season's two-year-olds, including lists from Joe McCarty, Frank J. Bryan, and Dan Mahany. The top three horses of each sex are listed in the table, with each year linking to complete lists as available in a form.
| Year | Colts/Geldings | Fillies |
|---|---|---|
| 1920 | Tryster - 130 lbs | Prudery - 126 lbs |
| Inchcape - 127 lbs | Careful - 122 lbs | |
| Leonardo II - 125 lbs | Step Lightly - 120 lbs | |
| 1921 | Morvich - 133 lbs | Miss Joy - 128 lbs |
| Kai-Sang - 129 lbs | My Reverie - 122 lbs | |
| Bunting- 128 lbs | Calamity Jane - 120 lbs | |
| 1933 | First Minstrel - 126 lbs | |
| Cavalcade - 125 lbs | ||
| 1935 | Red Rain - 126 lbs | Forever Yours - 116 lbs |
| Tintagel, Grand Slam, Hollyrood, Coldstream - 124 lbs | Split Second - 115 lbs | |
| Brevity - 123 lbs | Little Miracle, Beanie M., Parade Girl - 114 lbs | |
| 1936 | Brooklyn - 126 lbs | Rifted Clouds - 115 lbs |
| Pompoon - 125 lbs | Apogee, Dawn Play, Manatella, Goldey F., Wand - 110 lbs | |
| Reaping Reward - 124 lbs | Drawbridge, Maecloud - 109 lbs | |
| 1937 | Menow - 126 lbs | Jacola - 116 lbs |
| Tiger - 124 lbs | Merry Lassie - 112 lbs | |
| Fighting Fox, Nedayr - 122 lbs | Annie Reigh, Inhale - 110 lbs | |
| 1938 | El Chico - 126 lbs | Inscoelda - 116 lbs |
| Eight Thity, Johnstown - 124 lbs | Dinner Date - 112 lbs | |
| Challedon, Porter's Mite, Xalapa Crown - 122 lbs | Smart Crack, Smart Trick - 110 lbs | |
| 1939 | Bimelech - 130 lbs | Now What - 119 lbs |
| Carrier Pigeon - 126 lbs | Miss Ferdinand - 115 lbs | |
| Andy K., Roman Flag - 124 lbs | Carmenita - 112 lbs | |
| 1940 | Whirlaway - 126 lbs | Level Best - 121 lbs |
| Our Boots, New World - 123 lbs | Blue Delight, Tangled, Valdina Myth - 114 lbs | |
| Attention, Bold Irishman, King Cole - 122 lbs | Misty Isle, Nasca, Strange Device - 112 lbs | |
| 1941 | Alsab - 130 lbs | |
| Sun Again - 126 lbs | ||
| 1942 | ||
| 1943 | Durazna, Miss Keeneland | |
| 1944 | Pavot, Free For All - 126 lbs | |
| 1945 | Lord Boswell - 126 lbs | |
| 1946 | Count Fleet - 132 lbs | First Flight - 126 lbs |
| Double Jay, Cosmic Bomb - 126 lbs | ||
| 1947 | Citation - 126 lbs | Bewitch - 121 lbs |
| Better Self, Relic - 123 lbs | ||
| 1948 | Blue Peter - 126 lbs | Myrtle Charm - 121 lbs |
| Mr. Busher - 124 lbs | ||
| 1949 | Middleground - 126 lbs | Bed o' Roses - 121 lbs |
| Hill Prince, Oil Capitol - 124 lbs | ||
| 1950 | Uncle Miltie - 126 lbs | Aunt Jinny, How - 114 lbs |
| Battlefield, Big Stretch - 124 lbs | ||
| 1951 | Tom Fool - 126 lbs | |
| Cousin, Oh Leo, Primate - 123 lbs | ||
| Hill Gail - 122 lbs? | ||
| 1952 | Native Dancer - 130 lbs | Bubbley, Sweet Patootie - 116 lbs |
| Grecian Queen - 114 lbs | ||
| 1953 | Porterhouse, Turn-to - 126 lbs | Evening Out - 118 lbs |
| Hasty Road, Artismo - 124 lbs | ||
| 1954 | Summer Tan - 128 lbs | High Voltage - 117 lbs |
| Nashua - 127 lbs | Delta, Myrtle's Jet - 116 lbs | |
| 1955 | Career Boy - 126 lbs | Doubledogdare, Nasrina - 116 lbs |
| Nail, Needles - 125 lbs | Dark Charger - 114 lbs | |
| Prince John - 124 lbs | ||
| 1956 | Barbizon - 126 lbs | Alanesian - 117 lbs |
| Bold Ruler, Federal Hill - 125 lbs | Leallah - 116 lbs | |
| Romanita - 115 lbs | ||
| 1957 | Jewel's Reward - 126 lbs | Idun - 120 lbs |
| Nadir - 125 lbs | Poly Hi, Sequioa - 115 lbs | |
| A Glitter - 114 lbs | ||
| 1958 | First Landing - 128 lbs | Quill - 117 lbs |
| Tomy Lee - 126 lbs | ||
| 1959 | Warfare - 126 lbs | My Dear Girl - 117 lbs |
| Venetian Way - 124 lbs | Heavenly Body, Irish Jay - 115 lbs | |
| Airmans Guide, Make Sail - 114 lbs | ||
| 1960 | Hail to Reason - 126 lbs | Bowl of Flowers - 120 lbs |
| Carry Back, Papa's All - 122 lbs | Rose Bower - 116 lbs | |
| 1961 | Crimson Satan - 126 lbs | Cicada - 118 lbs |
| Ridan - 125 lbs | Batter Up, Firm Policy - 115 lbs | |
| Jaipur - 124 lbs | ||
| 1962 | Never Bend - 126 lbs | Affectionately, Smart Deb - 115 lbs |
| Candy Spots, Crewman - 125 lbs | ||
| Rocky Link - 120 lbs | ||
| 1963 | Raise a Native - 126 lbs | Castel Forbes, Tosmah - 115 lbs |
| Hurry to Market - 125 lbs | Blue Norther - 114 lbs | |
| Chieftain - 124 lbs | ||
| 1964 | Bold Lad - 130 lbs | Queen Empress - 118 lbs |
| Sadair - 127 lbs | Marshua - 117 lbs | |
| 1965 | Buckpasser - 126 lbs | Moccasin - 120 lbs |
| Graustark - 124 lbs | Priceless Gem - 119 lbs | |
| 1966 | Successor - 126 lbs | Regal Gleam - 116 lbs |
| Dr. Fager - 125 lbs | ||
| Bold Hour - 124 lbs | ||
| 1967 | Vitriolic - 126 lbs | Queen of the Stage - 117 lbs |
| Gay Matelda - 116 lbs | ||
| 1968 | Top Knight - 126 lbs | Process Shot, Gallant Bloom, Shuvee - 118 lbs |
| Reviewer - 124 lbs | ||
| 1969 | Silent Screen - 128 lbs | Fast Attack - 116 lbs |
| High Echelon, Insubordination - 123 lbs | ||
| 1970 | Hoist the Flag - 126 lbs | Forward Gal - 118 lbs |
| Limit to Reason - 125 lbs | June Darling - 117 lbs | |
| Run the Gantlet - 124 lbs | ||
| 1971 | Riva Ridge - 126 lbs | Numbered Account - 119 lbs |
| Rest Your Case, Chevron Flight - 122 lbs | Cautious Bidder, Susan's Girl - 116 lbs | |
| Key to the Mint - 121 lbs | ||
| 1972 | Secretariat - 128 lbs | La Prevoyante - 121 lbs |
| 1973 | Protagonist - 126 lbs | Talking Picture - 121 lbs |
| Cannonade - 125 lbs | Chris Evert - 119 lbs | |
| 1974 | Foolish Pleasure - 127 lbs | Ruffian - 122 lbs |
| L'Enjoleur - 125 lbs | ||
| 1975 | Honest Pleasure - 126 lbs | Dearly Precious, Optimistic Gal - 119 lbs |
| Queen to Be - 118 lbs | ||
| 1976 | Seattle Slew - 126 lbs | Sensational - 119 lbs |
| 1977 | Affirmed - 126 lbs | Lakeville Miss - 119 lbs |
| Alydar - 125 lbs | L'Alezane, B. Thoughtful, Caesar's Wish, Stub - 118 lbs | |
| 1978 | Spectacular Bid - 126 lbs | Candy Eclair, It's In the Air - 119 lbs |
| Flying Paster - 123 lbs | Terlingua - 118 lbs | |
| 1979 | Rockhill Native - 126 lbs | Smart Angle - 120 lbs |
| 1980 | Heavenly Cause - 120 lbs | |
| 1981 | Deputy Minister, Timely Writer - 126 lbs | Before Dawn - 120 lbs |
| 1982 | Copelan, Roving Boy - 126 lbs | Landaluce, Princess Rooney - 121 lbs |
| Share the Fantasy - 117 lbs | ||
| 1983 | Devil's Bag - 128 lbs | Miss Oceana - 120 lbs |
| Swale - 123 lbs | Althea - 119 lbs | |
| Lucky Lucky Lucky - 117 lbs? | ||
| 1984 | Chief's Crown - 126 lbs | Outstandingly - 118 lbs |
| Saratoga Six - 125 lbs | Fran's Valentine, Folk Art - 117 lbs | |
| Smile, Spend a Buck - 123 lbs? | ||
| 1985 | Tasso, Ogygian - 126 lbs | |
| 1986 | Capote - 126 lbs | Brave Raj - 123 lbs |
| Gulch, Polish Navy, Temperate Sil - 123 lbs | ||
| Alysheba - 122 lbs | ||
| 1987 | Forty Niner - 126 lbs | Epitome, Over All - 123 lbs |
| Tejano - 125 lbs | ||
| 1988 | Easy Goer - 126 lbs | |
| King Glorious - 125 lbs | ||
| 1989 | Rhythm - 126 lbs | Go For Wand - 123 lbs |
| Stella Madrid - 121 lbs | ||
| 1990 | ||
| 1991 | Arazi - 130 lbs | |
| Bertrando - 125 lbs | ||
| A.P. Indy, ??? - 122 lbs | ||
| 1992 | Gilded Time - 126 lbs | Eliza - 123 lbs |
| River Special - 124 lbs | Sky Beauty - 122 lbs | |
| 1993 | Brocco, Dehere - 126 lbs | Phone Chatter - 123 lbs |
| Holy Bull - 125 lbs | Sardula - 122 lbs | |
| Heavenly Prize - 121 lbs | ||
| 1994 | Flanders - 124 lbs | |
| Serena's Song - 122 lbs | ||
| 1995 | Maria's Mon, Unbridled's Song - 126 lbs | My Flag |
| Hennessy - 124 lbs | ||
| 1996 | Boston Harbor - 126 lbs | Storm Song - 124 lbs |
| Acceptable, Ordway - 123 lbs | ||
| Smoke Glacken - 122 lbs | Ajina, ??? - 118 lbs | |
| 1997 | Favorite Trick - 128 lbs | Countess Diana - 125 lbs |
| Grand Slam - 123 lbs | ||
| 1998 | Answer Lively - 126 lbs | Silverbulletday - 123 lbs |
| Excellent Meeting - 122 lbs | ||
| 1999 | Cash Run - 123 lbs | |
| 2000 | Macho Uno - 126 lbs | Caressing - 123 lbs |
| Point Given - 125 lbs | Raging Fever - 122 lbs | |
| A P Valentine - 124 lbs | ||
| 2001 | Johannesburg - 126 lbs | Tempera - 123 lbs |
| Siphonic - 124 lbs | Habibti - 121 lbs | |
| Repent - 123 lbs | Imperial Gesture, You - 120 lbs | |
| 2002 | Vindication - 126 lbs | Storm Flag Flying - 123 lbs |
| Toccet - 124 lbs | Composure - 121 lbs | |
| Kafwain, Sky Mesa - 122 lbs | Elloluv - 119 lbs | |
| 2003 | Action This Day, Cuvee, Rulfer's Court - 126 lbs | Halfbridled - 124 lbs |
| Birdstone - 124 lbs | Ashado - 120 lbs | |
| Lion Heart - 123 lbs | La Reina, Society Selection - 119 lbs | |
| 2004 | Declan's Moon, Wilko - 126 lbs | Sweet Catomine - 124 lbs |
| Afleet Alex, Roman Ruler - 124 lbs | Balletto (UAE), Sense of Style, Splendid Blended - 117 lbs | |
| Proud Accolade, Sun King - 123 lbs | Ready's Gal - 115 lbs | |
| 2005 | Stevie Wonderboy - 126 lbs | Folklore - 123 lbs |
| First Samurai - 124 lbs | Adieu - 122 lbs | |
| Henny Hughes - 123 lbs | Wild Fit - 120 lbs | |
| 2006 | Street Sense - 127 lbs | Dreaming of Anna - 123 lbs |
| Scat Daddy - 123 lbs | Octave - 120 lbs | |
| Circular Quay, Great Hunter, Nobiz Like Shobiz - 122 lbs | Cash Included - 119 lbs | |
| 2007 | War Pass - 127 lbs | Indian Blessing - 123 lbs |
| Dixie Chatter, Into Mischief, Pyro - 120 lbs | Country Star - 121 lbs | |
| Court Vision, Georgie Boy, Wicked Style - 119 lbs | Proud Spell - 119 lbs | |
| 2008 | Midshipman - 126 lbs | Stardom Bound - 124 lbs |
| Vineyard Haven - 124 lbs | Dream Empress - 120 lbs | |
| Square Eddie - 123 lbs | Laragh, Sky Diva, Springside - 117 lbs | |
| 2009 | Looking At Lucky, Vale of York (IRE) - 126 lbs | Blind Luck, She Be Wild - 123 lbs |
| Noble's Promise - 124 lbs | Hot Dixie Chick - 121 lbs | |
| Buddy's Saint - 123 lbs | Beautician, Negligee - 120 lbs | |
| 2010 | Uncle Mo - 128 lbs | Awesome Feather - 123 lbs |
| To Honor and Serve - 123 lbs | More than Real, Turbulent Descent - 120 lbs | |
| Boys At Tosconova - 122 lbs | A Z Warrior, R Heat Lightning - 119 lbs | |
| 2011 | Hansen, Union Rags - 126 lbs | My Miss Aurelia - 124 lbs |
| Creative Cause - 124 lbs | Grace Hall, Stephanie's Kitten - 120 lbs | |
| Wrote (IRE) - 121 lbs | Killer Graces, Weemissfrankie -119 lbs | |
| 2012 | Shanghai Bobby - 126 lbs | Beholder - 123 lbs |
| He's Had Enough, Violence - 123 lbs | Executiveprivele - 122 lbs | |
| George Vancouver, Power Broker - 121 lbs | Flotilla (FR), Kauai Katie - 120 lbs | |
| 2013 | New Year's Day - 126 lbs | Ria Antonia, She's a Tiger - 123 lbs |
| Havana, Shared Belief - 125 lbs | Chriselliam (IRE) - 122 lbs | |
| Honor Code - 124 lbs | Rosalind - 121 lbs | |
| 2014 | Texas Red, American Pharoah - 126 lbs | Lady Eli, Take Charge Brandi - 123 lbs |
| Hootenanny, Carpe Diem - 122 lbs | Condo Commando - 121 lbs | |
| Competitive Edge, Dortmund - 121 lbs | Feathered, Top Decile, Wonder Gal, By the Moon, Peace and War, Sunset Glow - 119 lbs | |
| 2015 | Nyquist - 126 lbs | Songbird - 125 lbs |
| Swipe - 124 lbs | Catch a Glimpse, Rachel's Valentina - 120 lbs | |
| Brody's Cause, Hit It a Bomb - 121 lbs | Alice Springs (IRE), Gomo, Nemoralia, Nickname - 118 lbs | |
| 2016 | Classic Empire - 126 lbs | Champagne Room - 123 lbs |
| Not This Time - 125 lbs | Valadorna - 121 lbs | |
| Oscar Performance - 123 lbs | New Money Honey - 120 lbs | |
| 2017 | Bolt d'Oro, Good Magic - 126 lbs | Caledonia Road - 123 lbs |
In Great Britain, a Free Handicap for three-year-olds was established in 1972, and one for older horses in 1974 (age in parentheses). Both were short lived, as in 1977 they were replaced with the International Classification.
| Year | 3yo Male | 3yo Female | Older Male | Older Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Deep Diver | Attica Meli | ||
| 1973 | Thatch | Dahlia* | ||
| 1974 | Take a Reef | Dibidale | Admetus‡ (4) | Dahlia† (4) |
| 1975 | Grundy | May Hill, Rose Bowl | Bustino (4), Flirting Around (4) | Llanga (4) |
| 1976 | Vitigès | Pawneese | Sagaro (5) | Rose Bowl (4) |
*Rated equal to male
†Rated higher than male
‡Gelding
The first voting for yearly champions was in 1936, in the United States, when both Triangle Publications, Inc., and Turf and Sport Digest published champions. Triangle Publications polled the staff of The Daily Racing Form and The Morning Telegraph, and Turf and Sport Digest polled selected sports writers and sportscasters. In 1950, the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, Inc., added a poll among racing secretaries at member tracks, and in 1954, the Thoroughbred Record began publishing champions determined by a mathematical scoring system based on pints awarded for stakes victories. In 1971, the four different determinations of champions were ended in favor of the single Eclipse Awards, which is based upon the votes of selected voters. Retrospective champions from 1887 onward have been selected by The Blood-Horse. Champion Three-year-old Female, Chamion Sprinter, Champion Grass/Turf Horse, and Champion Steeplechaser were all awarded inconsistently until 1965. Full lists can be easily found online, including from Thoroughbred Heritage and Wikipedia.
Great Britain's first Horse of the Year award was from the Bloodstock Breeders' Review, published from 1959 to 1965 and based on 20 racing journalists' opinions.
| Year | Horse | Age | Sex |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Petite Etoile | 3yo | Filly |
| 1960 | St Paddy | 3yo | Colt |
| 1961 | Right Royal | 3yo | Colt |
| 1962 | Match | 4yo | Colt |
| 1963 | Exbury | 4yo | Colt |
| 1964 | Santa Claus | 3yo | Colt |
| 1965 | Sea-Bird | 3yo | Colt |
1965 brought an official British Racehorse of the Year award, for any horse who ran at least once in Great Britian that season, determined by a ballot from racing journalists and presented by the Racecourse Association from 1965 to 1977, at which point the Racegoers' Club took over.
| Year | Horse | Age | Sex | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Sea-Bird | 3yo | Colt | 228 / 240 |
| 1966 | Charlottown | 3yo | Colt | 176 / 240 |
| 1967 | Busted | 4yo | Colt | 18 / 40 |
| 1968 | Sir Ivor | 3yo | Colt | 26 / 40 |
| 1969 | Park Top | 5yo | Mare | 20 / 40 |
| 1970 | Nijinsky | 3yo | Colt | 38 / 40 |
| 1971 | Mill Reef | 3yo | Colt | 30 / 37 |
| 1972 | Brigadier Gerard | 4yo | Colt | 40 / 40 |
| 1973 | Dahlia | 3yo | Filly | 29 / 39 |
| 1974 | Dahlia | 4yo | Filly | 32 / 36 |
| 1975 | Grundy | 3yo | Colt | 38 / 40 |
| 1976 | Pawneese | 3yo | Filly | 21 / 40 |
| 1977 | The Minstrel | 3yo | Colt | 26 / 37 |
| 1978 | Shirley Heights | 3yo | Colt | 21 / 35 |
| 1979 | Troy | 3yo | Colt | 27 / 32 |
| 1980 | Moorestyle | 3yo | Colt | 23 / 31 |
| 1981 | Shergar | 3yo | Colt | 22 / 31 |
| 1982 | Ardross | 6yo | Horse | 17 / 30 |
| 1983 | Habibti | 3yo | Filly | 23 / 26 |
| 1984 | Provideo | 2yo | Colt | 17 / 30 |
| 1985 | Pebbles | 4yo | Filly | 28 / 30 |
| 1986 | Dancing Brave | 3yo | Colt | 27 / 27 |
| 1987 | Reference Point | 3yo | Colt | 12 / 20 |
| 1988 | Mtoto | 5yo | Horse | 20 / 21 |
Starting with the 1968/69 racing season, the Victoria Racing Club published an Australian Horse of the Year, based upon a poll of major racing club officials. In 1976/77 the Ansett Award, awarded by the Australian Racing Writers' Association based upon the opinions of its members, fulfilled the same purpose.
| Year | Horse | Age | Sex |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968/69 | Vain | 2yo | Colt |
| 1969/70 | Rain Lover | 5yo | Horse |
| 1970/71 | Gay Icarus | 3yo | Gelding |
| 1971/72 | Gunsynd | 4yo | Colt |
| 1972/73 | Dayana | 3yo | Gelding |
| 1973/74 | Taj Rossi | 3yo | Colt |
| 1974/75 | Leilani | 4yo | Filly |
| 1975/76 | Lord Dudley | 3yo | Colt |
| 1976/77 | Surround | 3yo | Filly |
| 1977/78 | Maybe Mahal | 5yo | Mare |
| 1978/79 | Manikato | 3yo | Gelding |
| 1979/80 | Kingston Town | 3yo | Gelding |
| 1980/81 | Hyperno | 7yo | Gelding |
| 1981/82 | Rose of Kingston | 3yo | Filly |
| 1982/83* | Strawberry Road | 3yo | Colt |
| 1982/83* | Gurner's Lane | 4yo | Gelding |
| 1983/84 | Emancipation | 4yo | Filly |
| 1984/85 | Red Anchor | 3yo | Colt |
| 1985/86 | Bounding Away | 2yo | Filly |
| 1986/87* | Bonecrusher | 4yo | Gelding |
| 1986/87* | Placid Ark | 3yo | Gelding |
| 1987/88 | Beau Zam | 3yo | Colt |
| 1988/89 | Research | 3yo | Filly |
| 1989/90 | Almaarad | 7yo | Horse |
| 1990/91 | Better Loosen Up | 5yo | Gelding |
| 1991/92 | Let's Elope | 4yo | Filly |
| 1992/93 | Veandercross | 4yo | Gelding |
*Disagreement between the VRC and ARWA. VRC declared Strawberry Road Horse of the Year for 1982/83 and Bonecrusher in 1986/87. ARWA declared Gurner's Lane Horse of the Year for 1982/83 and Placid Ark in 1986/87.
Australian divisional champions from 1993/94 to 2020/21 are listed below.
| Season | Horse of the Year | Mare | 2yo Filly | 2yo Colt | 3yo Filly | 3yo Colt | Older Horse/Mare | Sprinter | Stayer | Steeplechaser | Miler | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | Verry Elleegant (NZ) | Arcaded (AUS) | Stay Inside (AUS) | Hungrey Heart (AUS) | Ole Kirk (AUS) | Nature Strip (AUS) | Gold Medals (NZ) | |||||
| 2019/20 | Nature Strip (AUS) | Away Game (AUS) | Farnan (AUS) | Loving Gaby (AUS) | Yes Yes Yes (AUS) | Nature Strip (AUS), Lys Gracieux (JPN) | Nature Strip (AUS), Arcadia Queen (AUS) | Vow and Declare (AUS) | Tallyho Twinkletoe (NZ) | Avilius (GB) | ||
| 2018/19 | Winx (AUS) | Kiamichi (AUS) | Microphone (AUS) | Mystic Journey (AUS) | The Autumn Sun (AUS) | Winx (AUS) | Santa Ana Lane (AUS), Alizee (AUS) | Best Solution (IRE) | Zed Em (NZ) | |||
| 2017/18 | Winx (AUS) | Estijaab (AUS) | Written By (AUS) | Alizee (AUS) | Trapeze Artist (AUS) | Redzel (AUS), Winx (AUS) | Redzel (AUS) | Rekindling (GB) | Gold Medals (NZ) | |||
| 2016/17 | Winx (AUS) | She Will Reign (AUS) | Invader (AUS) | Yankee Rose (AUS) | Flying Artie (AUS) | Winx (AUS) | Chautauqua (AUS), English (AUS) | Jameka (AUS) | Wells (AUS) | |||
| 2015/16 | Winx (AUS) | Yankee Rose (AUS) | Capitalist (AUS) | English (AUS) | Tarzino (NZ) | Winx (AUS) | Chautauqua (AUS), First Seal (AUS) | Preferment (NZ) | Zanteco (NZ) | |||
| 2014/15 | Dissident (AUS) | English (AUS) | Vancouver (AUS) | Delicacy (AUS) | Brazen Beau (AUS) | Dissident (AUS) | Dissident (AUS) | Protectionist (GER) | Bashboy (AUS) | Contributer (IRE) | ||
| 2013/14 | Lankan Rupee (AUS) | Earthquake (AUS) | Almalad (AUS) | Guelph (AUS) | Shamus Award (AUS) | Lankan Rupee (AUS), Atlantic Jewel (ARG) | Lankan Rupee (AUS), Samaready (AUS) | Fiorente (IRE) | Gotta Take Care (AUS) | It's a Dundeel (NZ) | ||
| 2012/13 | Black Caviar (AUS) | Overreach (AUS) | Sidestep (AUS) | Norzita (NZ) | All Too Hard (AUS) | Black Caviar (AUS) | Bashboy (AUS) | Ocean Park (NZ) | ||||
| 2011/12 | Black Caviar (AUS) | Pierro (AUS) | Atlantic Jewel (AUS) | Sepoy (AUS) | Black Caviar (AUS) | Dunaden (FR) | Bashboy (AUS) | |||||
| 2010/11 | Black Caviar (AUS) | Sepoy (AUS) | Shamrocker (NZ) | Star Witness (AUS) | Black Caviar (AUS) | Americain (USA) | Black and Bent (AUS) | So You Think (NZ) | ||||
| 2009/10 | Typhoon Tracy (AUS) | Crystal Lily (AUS) | Decision Time (AUS) | Faint Perfume (AUS) | So You Think (NZ) | Starspangledbanner (AUS) | Shocking (AUS) | Black and Bent (AUS) | ||||
| 2008/09 | Scenic Blast (AUS) | Headway (AUS) | Phelan Ready (AUS) | Samantha Miss (AUS) | Whobegotyou (AUS) | Scenic Blast (AUS) | Viewed (AUS) | Pentiffic (NZ) | ||||
| 2007/08 | Weekend Hussler (AUS) | Sebring (AUS) | Heavenly Glow (AUS) | Weekend Hussler (AUS) | Apache Cat (AUS) | Efficient (NZ) | Some Are Bent (AUS) | |||||
| 2006/07 | Miss Andretti (AUS) | Meurice (AUS) | Miss Finland (AUS) | Haradasun (AUS) | Desert War (AUS) | Miss Andretti (AUS) | Delta Blues (AUS) | Some Are Bent (AUS) | ||||
| 2005/06 | Makybe Diva (GB) | Miss Finland (AUS) | Serenade Rose (AUS) | Racing to Win (AUS) | Makybe Diva (GB) | Takeover Target (AUS) | Makybe Diva (GB) | Karasi (IRE) | ||||
| 2004/05 | Makybe Diva (GB) | Fashions Afield (AUS) | Alinghi (AUS) | Fastnet Rock (AUS) | Grand Armee (AUS), Elvstroem (AUS) | Fastnet Rock (AUS) | Makybe Diva (GB) | Karasi (IRE) | ||||
| 2003/04 | Lonhro (AUS) | Alinghi (AUS) | Dance Hero (AUS) | Regimental Gal (AUS) | Starcraft (NZ) | Exceed and Excel (AUS) | Makybe Diva (GB) | Topzoff (AUS) | Lonhro (AUS) | |||
| 2002/03 | Northerly (AUS) | Sunline (NZ) | Hasna (AUS) | Winestock (AUS) | Private Steer (AUS) | Helenus (AUS) | Yell (AUS) | Specular (AUS) | ||||
| 2001/02 | Sunline (NZ) | Victory Vein (AUS) | Choisir (AUS) | Ha Ha (AUS) | Viscount (AUS) | Falvelon (AUS) | Ethereal (NZ) | St. Steven (NZ) | ||||
| 2000/01 | Sunline (NZ) | Sunline (NZ) | Ha Ha (AUS) | Viscount (AUS) | Unwordly (AUS) | Universal Prince (AUS), Assertive Lad (AUS) | Falvelon (AUS) | Brew (NZ) | St. Steven (NZ) | |||
| 1999/2000 | Sunline (NZ) | Assertive Lad (AUS) | Fairway (AUS) | Sunline (NZ) | Testa Rossa (AUS) | Tie the Knot (AUS) | Leading Bounty (NZ) | Sunline (NZ) | ||||
| 1998/99 | Might and Power (NZ) | Grand Archway (AUS) | Catbird (AUS) | Grand Archway (AUS) | Tie the Knot (AUS) | Isca (AUS) | Marlborough (NZ) | |||||
| 1997/98 | Might and Power (NZ) | Dane Ripper (AUS) | Dracula (AUS) | Gold Guru (AUS) | Moon Chase (AUS) | |||||||
| 1996/97 | Saintly (AUS) | Arctic Scent (AUS) | Encounter (AUS) | Mouawad (NZ) | Palace Symphony (AUS) | |||||||
| 1995/96 | Octagonal (NZ) | Electronic (NZ) | Merlene (AUS) | Octagonal (NZ) | Doriemus (NZ) | The Shu (NZ) | ||||||
| 1994/95 | Jeune (GB) | Starstruck (AUS) | Octagonal (NZ) | Danewin (AUS) | Jeune (GB) | Cold Reason (AUS) | ||||||
| 1993/94 | Mahogany (AUS) | Flitter (NZ) | Danzero (AUS) | Mahogany (AUS) | Durbridge (AUS) | Tennessee Blue (AUS) |
The French magazine Courses & Elevage polled racing journalists to determine a French Horse of the Year starting in 1979.
| Year | Horse | Age | Sex |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Three Troikas | 3yo | Filly |
| 1980 | Detroit | 3yo | Filly |
| 1981 | Bikala | 3yo | Colt |
| 1982 | Saint Cyrien | 2yo | Colt |
| 1983 | All Along | 4yo | Filly |
| 1984 | Northern Trick | 3yo | Filly |
| 1985 | Sagace | 5yo | Horse |
| 1986 | Dancing Brave | 3yo | Colt |
| 1987 | Miesque | 3yo | Filly |
| 1988 | Miesque | 4yo | Filly |
West Germany had a Horse of the Year award inaugurated in 1957, which became the German Horse of the Year award after reunification in 1990.
| Year | Horse | Age | Sex |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Thila | 3yo | Filly |
| 1958 | Orsini | 4yo | Colt |
| 1959 | Obermaat | 5yo | Horse |
| 1960 | Waldmann | 4yo | Colt |
| 1961 | Baalim | 3yo | Colt |
| 1962 | Windbruch | 5yo | Horse |
| 1963 | Mercurius | 3yo | Colt |
| 1964 | Mercurius | 4yo | Colt |
| 1965 | Kronzeuge | 4yo | Colt |
| 1966 | Ilix | 3yo | Colt |
| 1967 | Luciano | 3yo | Colt |
| 1968 | Luciano | 4yo | Colt |
| 1969 | Hitchcock | 3yo | Colt |
| 1970 | Alpenkönig | 3yo | Colt |
| 1971 | Lombard | 4yo | Colt |
| 1972 | Lombard | 5yo | Horse |
| 1973 | Athenagoras | 3yo | Colt |
| 1974 | Marduk | 3yo | Colt |
| 1975 | Star Appeal | 5yo | Horse |
| 1976 | Windwurf | 4yo | Colt |
| 1977 | Windwurf | 5yo | Horse |
| 1978 | Esclavo | 2yo | Colt |
| 1979 | Königsstuhl | 3yo | Colt |
| 1980 | Nebos | 4yo | Colt |
| 1981 | Orofino | 3yo | Colt |
| 1982 | Orofino | 4yo | Colt |
| 1983 | Orofino | 5yo | Horse |
| 1984 | Las Vegas | 3yo | Filly |
| 1985 | Acatenango | 3yo | Colt |
| 1986 | Acatenango | 4yo | Colt |
| 1987 | Acatenango | 5yo | Horse |
| 1988 | Kondor | 4yo | Colt |
| 1989 | Mondrian | 3yo | Colt |
| 1990 | Mondrian | 4yo | Colt |
| 1991 | Lomitas | 3yo | Colt |
| 1992 | Platini | 3yo | Colt |
| 1993 | Monsun | 3yo | Colt |
| 1994 | Lando | 4yo | Colt |
| 1995 | Lando | 5yo | Horse |
| 1996 | Lavirco | 3yo | Colt |
| 1997 | Borgia | 3yo | Filly |
| 1998 | Tiger Hill | 3yo | Colt |
| 1999 | Tiger Hill | 4yo | Colt |
| 2000 | Samun | 3yo | Colt |
| 2001 | Silvano | 3yo | Colt |
| 2002 | Paolini | 5yo | Horse |
| 2003 | Ransom O'War | 3yo | Colt |
| 2004 | Soldier Hollow | 4yo | Colt |
| 2005 | Shirocco | 4yo | Colt |
| 2006 | Prince Flori | 3yo | Colt |
| 2007 | Quijano | 5yo | Gelding |
| 2008 | It's Gino | 5yo | Horse |
| 2009 | Night Magic | 3yo | Filly |
| 2010 | Scalo | 3yo | Colt |
| 2011 | Danedream | 3yo | Filly |
| 2012 | Danedream | 4yo | Filly |
| 2013 | Novellist | 4yo | Colt |
| 2014 | Sea the Moon | 3yo | Colt |
| 2015 | Nightflower | 4yo | Filly |
| 2016 | Iquitos | 4yo | Colt |
| 2017 | Dschingis Secret | 4yo | Colt |
| 2018 | Iquitos | 6yo | Horse |
| 2019 | Rubaiyat | 3yo | Colt |
| 2020 | Toquator Tasso | 3yo | Colt |
In 1951, the Toronto edition of The Daily Racing Form polled racing journalists to determine the Canadian Horse of the Year. In 1975, this was replaced and expanded into the Sovereign Awards, including divional champions. Winners can be found on Wikipedia and the Canadian Jockey Club website.
New Zealand has had a Horse of the Year award from the 1973/74 season, awarded by the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, with a full list of winners available on their website.
New Zealand also has divisional champions, those from 1998/99 onwards are shown below.
| Year | Horse of the Year | Mare of the Year | Champion 2yo Colt | Champion 2yo Filly | Champion 3yo Colt | Champion 3yo Filly | Champion Sprinter | Champion Miler | Champion Middle Distance | Champion Jumper | Champion Stayer | Champion Older Horse | Champion Older Mare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | Probabeel (NZ) | Amarelinha (NZ) | Sword of State (AUS) | Aegon (NZ) | Probabeel (NZ) | Probabeel (NZ) | Melody Belle (NZ) | The Cossack (NZ) | The Chosen One (NZ) | ||||
| 2019/20 | Melody Belle (NZ) | Cool Aza Beel (NZ) | Catalyst (NZ) | Melody Belle (NZ) | Melody Belle (NZ) | The Chosen One (NZ) | The Chosen One (NZ) | ||||||
| 2018/19 | Melody Belle (NZ) | Yourdeel (NZ) | Madison Country (NZ) | Melody Belle (NZ) | Danzdanzdance (AUS) | Jackfrost (NZ) | Glory Days (NZ) | ||||||
| 2017/18 | Bonneval (NZ) | Dijon Bleu (NZ) | Avantage (AUS) | Savvy Coup (NZ) | Kawi (NZ) | Bonneval (NZ) | Charles Road (AUS) | ||||||
| 2016/17 | Bonneval (NZ) | Melody Belle (NZ) | Bonneval (NZ) | Start Wondering (NZ) | Kawi (NZ) | Kick Back (NZ) | Bonneval (NZ) | ||||||
| 2015/16 | Mongolian Khan (AUS) | Sacred Elixir (NZ) | Xtravagant (NZ) | Turn Me Loose (NZ) | Turn Me Loose (NZ) | Jack Romanov (NZ), Sea King (NZ) | Mongolian Khan (AUS) | ||||||
| 2014/15 | Mongolian Khan (AUS) | Marky Mark (AUS) | Mongolian Khan (AUS) | Sacred Star (AUS) | Soriano (NZ) | Amanood Lad (NZ) | Mongolian Khan (AUS) | ||||||
| 2013/14 | Dundeel (NZ) | Vespa (NZ) | Puccini (NZ) | Bounding (AUS) | Dundeel (NZ) | Rangatira (NZ) | Silent Achiever (NZ) | ||||||
| 2012/13 | Ocean Park (NZ) | Ruud Awakening (AUS) | Dundeel (NZ) | Habibi (NZ) | Final Touch (NZ) | Ocean Park (NZ) | Tom's Myth (NZ) | Sangster (NZ) | |||||
| 2011/12 | Mufhasa (NZ) | Warhorse (NZ) | Rollout the Carpet (AUS) | Rock 'n' Pop (AUS) | Silent Achiever (NZ) | Mufhasa (NZ) | Jimmy Choux (NZ) | Ima Heroine (NZ) | Shez Sinsational (NZ) | ||||
| 2010/11 | Jimmy Choux (NZ) | Antonio Lombardo (NZ) | Anabandana (AUS) | Jimmy Choux (NZ) | King's Rose (NZ) | Mufhasa (NZ) | Wall Street (NZ) | Hyptonize (NZ) | Showcause (AUS) | ||||
| 2009/10 | Vosne Romance (NZ) | Banchee (NZ) | Katie Lee (AUS) | Wall Street (NZ) | Wall Street (NZ) | Fair King (NZ) | Red Ruler (NZ) | Vosne Romance (NZ) | |||||
| 2008/09 | Mufhasa (NZ) | The Heckler (AUS) | Daffodil (NZ) | Mufhasa (NZ) | Mufhasa (NZ) | Hypnotize (NZ) | Nom Du Jeu (NZ) | ||||||
| 2007/08 | Seachange (NZ) | Il Quello Veloce (NZ) | Alamosa (NZ) | Insouciant (NZ) | Hypnotize (NZ) | Princess Coup (AUS) | Princess Coup (AUS) | ||||||
| 2006/07 | Seachange (NZ) | Nightlign (NZ) | Crossyourheart (NZ) | Jokers Wild (NZ) | Princess Coup (AUS) | Darci Brahma (NZ) | Van Winkle (NZ) | Pentathon (NZ) | Sir Slick (NZ) | ||||
| 2005/06 | Xcellent (NZ) | Jokers Wild (NZ) | Chant (NZ) | Darci Brahma (NZ) | Shikoba (NZ) | Gee I Jane (NZ) | Gee I Jane (NZ) | Just the Man (NZ) | Xcellent (NZ) | ||||
| 2004/05 | Xcellent (NZ) | Darci Brahma (NZ) | Xcellent (NZ) | She's Justa Tad (NZ) | Calveen (NZ) | Calveen (NZ) | No Hero (NZ) | Zabeat (NZ) | |||||
| 2003/04 | King's Chapel (AUS) | Keeninsky (NZ) | King's Chapel (AUS) | King's Chapel (AUS) | King's Chapel (AUS) | Cuchulainn (IRE) | Upsetthym (NZ) | ||||||
| 2002/03 | Tit for Taat (NZ) | Maroofity (NZ) | The Jewel (NZ) | Tit for Taat (NZ) | Tit for Taat (NZ) | Golden Flare (NZ) | Honor Babe (NZ) | ||||||
| 2001/02 | Sunline (NZ) | Grout (NZ) | Leica Guv (NZ) | Sunline (NZ) | St. Steven (NZ) | Ethereal (NZ) | |||||||
| 2000/01 | Sunline (NZ) | Flying Babe (AUS) | Tit For Taat (NZ) | Sunline (NZ) | Rand (NZ) | Smiling Like (NZ) | |||||||
| 1999/2000 | Sunline (NZ) | Spring Rain (NZ) | Buzz Lightyear (NZ) | Sunline (NZ) | Sunline (NZ) | Royal Ways (NZ) | Second Coming (NZ) | ||||||
| 1998/99 | Sunline (NZ) | One Under (NZ) | Sunline (NZ) | Sunline (NZ) | Kildary King(??) | Jezabeel (NZ) | |||||||
Argentina's Distinciones Carlos Pellegrini have been awarded since 1979, with a list of winners available here. As the awards are awarded for each year and Argentina runs on a Southern Hemisphere time, it is possible for a horse to win awards for multiple age categories in any single year.
Peru's Premios Postín have been awarded since 1984, with a list of winners available here.
Japan's JRA Awards have been awarded since 1987, with a list of winners available here, and the NAR Grand Prix have been awarded since 1990, with a list of winners available here.
Europe's Cartier Awards have been awarded since 1991, with a list of winners available here and here.
Brazil's Troféu Mossoró has been awarded since 2002, with a list of winners available here.
South Africa's Equus Awards have been awarded since 2001, with a list of winners available here
| Country | Award Name | Inauguration |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Distinciones Carlos Pellegrini | 1979 |
| Australia | Australian Thoroughbred Racing Awards | 1994 |
| Brazil | Troféu Mossoró | 2002 |
| Canada | Sovereign Awards | 1975 |
| Chile | Premios Postín | 1984 |
| Europe | Cartier Awards | 1991 |
| Japan | JRA Awards | 1987 |
| Japan | NAR Grand Prix | 1990 |
| New Zealand | New Zealand Racehorse Awards | 1974 |
| South Africa | Equus Awards | 2010 |
| United States | Eclipse Awards | 1971 |