The tough jumper was the darling of Wingatui in August last year after his punishing finish proved too much for his rivals twice at the Grand National Carnival.
Carrying 70kg in the Koral, the son of Danzighill proved too good despite jockey Michael Mitchell losing his whip at the start, before he came out and smashed his rivals by 12 lengths in the Grand National Steeplechase a week later.
High Forty’s win was one of seven awards which went to horses or people associated with White Robe Lodge.
In the equine categories, Gallant Dan’s three wins over the sprint distance at Kurow, Omakau and Wyndham got him the nod for the sprinter of the year.
The miler of the year was a difficult line-up to split.
All three finalists — Coulee, Tommy Tucker and The Diamond One — claimed black type victories during the year.
But Tommy Tucker gained listed success twice at 1600m last season — firstly in the Timaru Cup in December and later on in the Easter Cup in April.
He also produced a huge run carrying 60kg to finish second to The Diamond One in the White Robe Lodge Handicap.
Other awards for the White Robe Lodge contingent were the trainer and strike rate trainer of the year awards which went to Brian and Shane Anderton.
Jacob Lowry brought home more silverware to White Robe Lodge after his 31 wins last season earned him jockey of the year.
Winton proved to be a happy hunting ground for Wild Bill, finishing second in the Winton Cup in October then winning a $30,000 feature at Winton in December over 2000m.
That was enough for the Joanne Hillis-trained galloper to earn stayer of the year honours.
ORC awards
The winners
3yr-old, Passito; sprinter, Gallant Dan; miler, Tommy Tucker; stayer, Wild Bill; jumper, High Forty; jockey, Jacob Lowry; jumps jockey, KC Walters; trainer, Brian and Shane Anderton; strike-rate trainer, Brian and Shane Anderton; horse of the year, High Forty.
