EASTER Cup winner Motu Crusader has been voted Launceston Pacing Club harness horse of the year for season 2013-14.
The award was bestowed upon the Zeke Slater-trained veteran free-for-aller at the LPC’s annual awards presentation night at the TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston on Tuesday night.
Motu Crusader started six times in Launceston for four wins and a second with his victories including the club’s most prestigious race the $40,000 Group 3 Easter Cup and the $10,000 Launceston Mile in which he notched a mile rate of 1.57.2.
Motu Crusader gained the nod of the judging panel by one vote over star three-year-old filly Barynya that won all of her six starts on the Launceston circuit with her biggest win being the $10,000 3YO Fillies Championship in February.
However Barynya was a clear winner of the 3YO of the Year title.
The Horse of the Year is the only award that is determined by a judging panel with the remaining awards determined on a point score basis according to where horses finished in their races.
Other awards winners:
Leading trainer – Barrie Rattray.
Leading Driver – Gareth Rattray.
Leading Junior Driver – Todd Rattray.
3YO of the Year – Barynya.
Mare of the Year – Spitfire Rose.