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Tough stayer Norsqui has been rewarded with Tasmanian Horse of the Year honours for the 2012-13 season.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Norsqui received the top gong at the annual Tasmanian Thoroughbred Awards that included the latest inductions into the Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame.
Trainer Barry Campbell, jockey Craig Newitt, recently retired mare Lady Lynette, multiple Group winner Weasel Will and associates Bernie McKay and former bookmaker Tom Wragg were inducted into the Hall of Fame while 1972 Melbourne Cup winner Piping Lane was upgraded to Legend status.
Norsqui, trained by Walter McShane, raced in four states last season, winning the G2 Adelaide Cup at Morphettville and finishing second in the G1 Sydney Cup alsoat Randwick.
The gelding will embark on another interstate campaign this spring that will hopefully earn him a start in the Melbourne Cup.
Norsqui won the Horse of the Year title ahead of contenders Banca Mo, Geegees Blackflash, Rebel Bride and The Cleaner.
The 2YO title went to Grand Tycoon, a unanimous choice after he won seven of his eight starts in Tasmania last season and Mister John captured the 3YO of the year crown.
Trained by Royston Carr, Mister John raced five times in Tasmania last season for three wins and two minor placings including a win in the Tasmania Guineas in Launceston.
Mister John earned the most votes ahead of Tasmanian Derby winner Ollie’s Gold and Hobart Guineas winner What Life Brings.
The 2012-13 participant awards also were presented with David and Scott Brunton taking out the trainer’s premiership, Brendon McCoull his 13th jockey’s premiership and Siggy Carr her first apprentice’s title in her first season of riding.
The state’s leading owners were Paul and Elizabeth Geard of G G Horse Stud. They ended the season with 23 individual winners of 42 races, a record for Tasmanian owners.
Lady Lynette earned her place in the Hal Of Fame after an outstanding career that included multiple feature race wins in Tasmania including the G3 Bow Mistress Stakes and the Listed Vamos Stakes a record three times while she won or was placed in 12 Group races when racing interstate.
The other equine inducted was Weasel Will, one of the finest milers produced in Tasmania who raced 47 times for nine wins and nine placings including two wins in the G2 Waterford Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley.
