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Behemoth, Instant Celebrity honoured for 2020/21 seasons

South Australian gallopers Behemoth and Instant Celebrity have been named as finalists for the prestigious Australian Racehorse of the Year in recognition of their outstanding 2020/21 seasons.

Racing NSW announced the finalists across the seven categories of the Australian Racehorse of the Year awards on Sunday.

Each category finalist is also eligible for the esteemed Australian Racehorse of the Year title.

The categories include:

  • Champion 2YO
  • Champion 3YO Filly
  • Champion 3YO Colt or Gelding
  • Champion Middle Distance
  • Champion Stayer
  • Champion Sprinter
  • Champion Jumper

The David Jolly-trained Behemoth is one of five finalists in the Champion Sprinter category alongside Bivouac, Classique Legend, Eduardo and Nature Strip.

Named South Australian Champion Horse of the Year at the Racing SA Industry Awards in August, Behemoth impressed with wins in last season’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and the Group 1 Memsie Stakes, both at Caulfield, as well as the Spring Stakes at Morphettville.

While the Phillip Stokes-trained Instant Celebrity has been recognised a finalist in the Champion Three-Year-Old Filly category together with Hungry Heart, Montefilia, September Run and Duais.

Instant Celebrity impressed with her performances across last year’s Adelaide Autumn Carnival, claiming the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes and running second in the Group 1 The Goodwood.  

September Run, bred by Greg and Jenny White of Alpara Lodge in South Australia, is also a finalist in the Champion Three-Year-Old Filly catergory.

The awards acknowledge performances on Australian racecourses, as well as international performances by Australian-trained horses, for the period 1 August 2020 to 31 July, 2021.

The finalists in each category are those that received the most votes from more than 70 of the nation’s most respected racing media and handicappers.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, this year’s awards ceremony will be broadcast live via Sky Thoroughbred Central on Monday, 11 October, 2021.

To see the full list of finalists across all categories click here.

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