City of Troy Secures Cartier Horse of the Year Title

City of Troy, the Aidan O’Brien-trained sensation, has claimed the prestigious Cartier Horse of the Year award following a remarkable season. Previously named the Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt, becomes only the second horse after the iconic Frankel to achieve this double honor in successive years.

The power of City of Troy was evident throughout the 2024 season with amazing wins in major Group 1 races. The son of Justify triumphed in the Betfred Derby dominated the course record in the Juddmonte International at York and delivered an emphatic performance in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

Notably the City of Troy joins Sea The Stars as the only colts to win the Derby Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International in a single season. These achievements cement his legacy as a premier horse in current racing which ends in his well-deserved recognition as Horse of the Year.

The 2024 Cartier Racing Awards celebrated several exceptional equine athletes for their achievements. Kyprios trained by Aidan O’Brien, reclaimed the Cartier Stayer crown becoming only the third horse alongside Persian Punch and Trueshan to win the title more than once. The six-year-old demonstrated his dominance by securing four consecutive Group 1 victories, highlighted by an impressive win in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger and a strong performance in the G2 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup which further solidifying his claim as Horse of the Year. Lake Victoria, an unbeaten filly earned the Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly title following an impeccable campaign that featured Group 1 wins over six furlongs, seven furlongs, and a mile. Porta Fortuna, a three-year-old with a remarkable season had secured the Cartier 3 year old Filly award after posting three consecutive Group 1 victories, including two triumphs against older opponents. While this occurs, Charyn claimed the Cartier Older Horse of the year title, excelling in the mile division with impressive wins in the Queen Anne Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, and the Prix Jacques le Marois in Deauville.

Jessica Harrington was awarded the Cartier/The Daily Telegraph Award of Merit for her groundbreaking contributions to horse of the year. Harrington, who transitioned from a successful career in three-day eventing to become a leading trainer in both Flat and National Hunt racing, added to her illustrious record with a recent Group 1 victory in the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Harrington highlighted the challenges and stereotypes faced by women in racing, a field where her achievements and training the Horse of the Year have shattered expectations and set new standards.

“People love to say, ‘Oh, you’re a woman trainer, you’ve done this and you’ve done that,’ but I’m a trainer. It’s a level playing field. We have no allowances for being female—the horses do, but we don’t!”

Laurent Feniou, managing director of Cartier UK, commended the recipients, particularly City of Troy

“City of Troy looked an exceptional colt throughout the season and is a worthy recipient of this award.”

The Cartier Racing Awards once again showcased the finest talents in horse racing that celebrates a season filled with unforgettable moments and exceptional performances.