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Some 45 of the top horses in Australia will be recognised for outstanding performances during the 2024/2025 racing season at Racing’s Night of Champions.

The annual black-tie gala, which will be held on Thursday, 28th August in the Ballroom at Royal Randwick, is the NSW Racehorse Owners Association’s flagship event and holds special significance in 2025.

The NSWROA is celebrating its 60th anniversary and a new award is being introduced to mark the milestone. An owner who has made a sustained and outstanding contribution to the sport in NSW will be acknowledged and celebrated.

“The board has been considering ways to formally recognise the invaluable contributions owners make to racing and decided this is a fitting way and time to do that,” NSWROA President Mr Tony Mitevski said.

The shortlist of equine finalists was decided by a point score system, with horses predominantly trained in NSW earning points for top three finishes in Group and Listed races across Australia. View the Finalists HERE

Horses trained outside NSW only earn points for races in NSW. The Everest, which was elevated to Group 1 status in 2024, carries double points.

The finalists will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including representatives from Racing NSW, Australian Turf Club, racing media, and the NSWROA board. Their votes, in conjunction with the point score, will determine the winners.

Champion Country Horse and Champion Provincial Horse are judged by Racing NSW and Queen of the Autumn is decided by Australian Turf Club.

Racing NSW’s awards for excellence among the riding, training and stable staff ranks will also be presented on the night including the T.J. Smith Award for the Sydney Trainers' Premiership winner, George Moore Award for the Sydney Jockeys' Premiership winner and Theo Green Award for the Leading Sydney Apprentice.

Other awards include the Caryl Williamson NSW Racing Writers’ Personality of the Year, Sydney Strapper of the Year, BOBS Horse of the Year and the Bart Cummings Medal.

Racing’s Night of Champions will be recorded and televised on Sky Thoroughbred Central and broadcast internationally by its exclusive media partner, Sky Racing.

Tickets to the event are available for $345 per person ($3450 for a table of 10) and include a three-course meal and a 4-hour beverage package.

Exciting prizes are on offer in the raffle and live auction, and a DJ will be playing to cap off the night.

For ticket sales and more information, visit nswroa.com.au or contact the NSWROA office on 0421 353 871 or email owners@nswroa.com.au