ZARKAVA HORSE OF THE YEAR.

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Arc star Zarkava crowned
horse of the year

Zarkava: never bettered in a seven-race spree that yielded five Group 1 triumphs


ZARKAVA proved to be as unbeatable off the racecourse as she was on it when one of the greatest fillies of the modern era was named Horse of the Year at the 2008 Cartier Racing Awards on Monday night.

Despite fierce competition from New Approach and Raven's Pass for Cartier's greatest accolade, the Aga Khan's outstanding Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner was deemed to be the worthiest recipient following her retirement at the end of a career in which she was never bettered in a seven-race spree that yielded five Group 1 triumphs.

Cartier's coronation of Zarkava - also conqueror of Breeders' Cup Mile winner Goldikova and Lush Lashes in the three-year-old filly division - took place in front of 300 invited guests at a star-studded London ceremony, whose winners were determined by Pattern results, the verdicts of an expert panel and the votes of readers of the Racing Post and The Daily Telegraph.

Although unable to prevent Zarkava taking the horse of the year gong, Derby and Champion Stakes winner New Approach posted what the Cartier organisers described as "a narrow triumph" in the three-year-old colt category. In one of the night's tightest fights, the Irish star edged out anotherPrincess Haya-owned horse, the Breeders' Cup Classic winner Raven's Pass, as well as Breeders' Cup Turf victor Conduit, Henrythenavigator and Paco Boy.

Henrythenavigator's stablemate Duke Of Marmalade, winner of the older horse award, wasone of three Cartier champions for Ballydoyle and Coolmore. Yeats, who provided Royal Ascot's signature moment when lifting the Gold Cup for the third time, repeated his 2006 and 2007 victories in the stayers division, while dual Group 1 scorer Mastercraftsman "pipped" striking Racing Post Trophy winner Crowded House, Donativum, Naaqoos and Bushranger to the juvenile colt prize.

Less competitive was the juvenile filly race, in which 1,000 Guineas favourite Rainbow View came out on top, while triple Group 1 winner Marchand D'Or unsurprisingly claimed the Cartier sprinter award.

Sheikh Mohammed was the recipient of the 2008 Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit for his contribution to European racing.

Cartier awards roll of honour

Horse of the year Zarkava
3yo filly Zarkava
3yo colt New Approach
2yo filly Rainbow View
2yo colt Mastercraftsman
Older horse Duke Of Marmalade
Sprinter Marchand D'Or
Stayer Yeats
Award of merit Sheikh Mohammed

Whilst a high stud value and successful stud career is the ultimate objective for these top horses I found it a real shame we never get to see the progression of many of these supreme athletes as 4 year olds and beyond.

New Approach and Ravens Pass were only just starting to show their true ability, whilst Zarkava strolled through the Arc like a walk in the park. I'm still not convinced about the strength of the Arc field but what a race it would have been to see Zenyatta, Zarkava and maybe a fully fit Sun Classique go up against each other.

It would be massive boost for racing to see these champions duel it out but sadly we will have to hypothesize which horse is the best...