An unforgettable season for The Diamond One ended with the ultimate compliment from the Otago racing community at the Otago racing awards at Wingatui on on Saturday.
The mare, who produced a stunning sprint over the last 200m to win the White Robe Lodge Handicap in February, added a second group 3 win in the Cuddle Stakes in March.
That made it hard for the small group of voters to veer away from The Diamond One when it came to the top prize for the 2014-15 season.
Robert Dennis accepted the trophy on behalf of the owners and breeders, the Dennis Brothers, and was joined by trainer Claire Anderton for his short but emotional acceptance speech as he recalled the contribution to the mare's career made by the late Steven Anderton.
The Diamond One had earlier wrapped up the miler title, as both group wins were achieved over the distance.
Include's outstanding season was rewarded with the sprinter of the year title, and Wild Bill got the nod in the stayers' category.
The criteria for the awards have changed slightly this year, and are largely ratings-based and focused on horses trained in the region.
As such, Natuzzi's Newmarket win and group placings did not count, but he was recognised for his deeds with a special achievement award, as was Who Shot Thebarman's Melbourne Cup placing.
Awards: 3yr-old, Princess Brook; sprinter, Include; miler, The Diamond One; stayer, Wild Bill; jumper, High Forty; trainer, Brian and Shane Anderton; jockey, Shankar Muniandy; apprentice jockey, Jake Lowry, owners, Karen and Wayne Stewart (Include); breeders, Karen and Wayne Stewart; stablehand, Liana Yong; special achievement, Natuzzi and Who Shot Thebarman; horse of the year, The Diamond One.
