MIKE de Kock was crowned Champion Trainer of South Africa for the seventh time at the Equus Awards Gala Dinner held at Emperors Palace on Wednesday night.

The stable was also awarded the trophy for Champion Two-Year-Old Colt, Soft Falling Rain, owned by Sheikh Hamdan of Dubai.

Mathew de Kock received the award for Champion Two-Year-Old Colt from Phumelela’s Rian du Plessis (left). Breeder Mike Sharkey from Highlands Farm is on the right.

A highlight of the evening was a Special Achievement Award to Diane de Kock, for her HIV-Aids care and awareness work among racing industry grooms.
(Headline photo: Diane received her award from Larry Wainstein).

Last year’s Horse of the Year Igugu took the 2012 Champion Older Filly/Mare title on the strength of her brilliant victory in the 2012 J&B Met.

Mike with Trainer’s Award. (photos by JC Photos)

Here is the full list of winners:

Champion Two Year Old Filly ALL IS SECRET

Champion Two Year Old Colt/Gelding SOFT FALLING RAIN

Champion Three Year Old Filly PRINCESS VICTORIA

Champion Three Year Old Colt/Gelding VARIETY CLUB

Champion Older Fill/Mare (4YO and older, distance immaterial) IGUGU

Champion Older Male WHAT A WINTER

Champion Sprinter WHAT A WINTER

Champion Middle Distance Horse VARIETY CLUB

Champion Stayer IN WRITING

Special Achievement Award DIANE DE KOCK

Champion Stallion JET MASTER

Champion Broodmare GOLDEN APPLE

Champion Breeder SUMMERHILL

Breeder Award – Exceptional International Achievement MAINE CHANCE

Breeder of the Year Award MAINE CHANCE

Work Rider of the Year ABRAM MAKHUBO

Media – Print DAVID THISELTON

Media – Television ANDREW BON

Apprentice Jockey of the Year NOORESH JUGLALL

Champion Jockey ANTON MARCUS

Champion Trainer MIKE DE KOCK

Owner of the Year INGRID & MARKUS JOOSTE

Horse of the Year VARIETY CLUB