TOP pacer Emain Macha created a slice of history last night.
During Harness Racing SA’s annual awards gala, Emain Macha was declared the 2019/20 SA Horse of the Year.
It’s the third time the son of Safari has claimed the coveted title to be the first triple winner on the honour roll since the award’s inauguration in 1986.
Before his latest crowning moment Emain Macha was one of six dual winners.
The ‘Super Six’ included Whirley Dream (1987 and ’88), Pappy McCoy (1989 and ’91), Keep It Up (1995 and 2001), Hes A Corka (2002 and ’03) and Conte De Cristo (2009 and ’10).
The Greg Scholefield-trained gelding registered six wins and four placings from 16 starts for the term, with is triumphs including St Arnaud, Stawell, two Christmas and Italian Cups.
Emain Macha was also runner-up in the Victor Harbor Cup from a 30-metre back mark.
Along with the main title, Emain Macha was the obvious choice as the premier stallion/gelding pacer over four-years-old, with Haveachew his mare counterpart.
Other state award winners were Dancing Finn and Artillery as the top two-year-olds, while in Shoobees Shoes and Sir Lucas were the leading three-year-olds.
All That Glitters, Millys Magic, Kitsilano and Champagne Prince secured the trotting ‘gongs’.
Dancing Finn’s dam, Anna Finn, is the Broodmare of the Year.
Along with being recognised as the state’s premier trainer Ryan Hryorec was the recipient of the prestigious Jim Hurley Medal.
Sharp shooter Walter Bulyga also left with a pair of trophies for Best Photographer and the Nevada Smoke Special Achievement Award.
Other media awards include Mobile Rolling for best video and Paul Courts for literary excellence, while Terry Grange received a Media Merit Award.