The Darley stallions dominate the 2023 Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders' Association awards

Champion Racehorse, Champion Broodmare and Champion First-Season Sire

Godolphin accepted three major trophies at the 2023 Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders' Association awards ceremony at Scone on Wednesday, 10 May.

More than 300 industry participants and guests attended the Scone Race Club on the eve of the club's massive two-day carnival to honour the champion equine athletes and high achievers who have been produced in the area.

The awards are industry-driven, emphasising education and securing the industry's future in the Hunter region.

They have been held for over 30 years and are decided by representatives of the thoroughbred industry.

Godolphin and Darley Australia representatives accepted awards for Anamoe (Champion Racehorse), Circular (Champion Broodmare) and Harry Angel (Champion First-Season Sire).

Anamoe has just retired to stud with an astonishing record of nine Group 1 victories among his 14 wins at Stakes level, amassing an incredible $12 million in prize money. 

"We, as a company and on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed, are fortunate to have been blessed with a horse like Anamoe," Kelvinside stud manager Barley Ward-Thomas said.

"He is a once-in-a-generation horse and, in terms of comparisons of horses in our midst, he compares with a horse like Lonhro in his profile.

"What an amazing athlete he's been."

Circular, herself a Stakes winner, is the dam of dual-Group 2 winner Cylinder (Exceed And Excel) and G3-winning filly Parisal (Astern).

"We are delighted with mares like her," Ward-Thomas said.

"She has an exceptionally high-class colt in Cylinder and a lovely Group filly in Parisal.

"She's managed to do an enormous amount very quickly for a broodmare of her age.

"There's a very bright future for her and we're sure there's more to come from her."

Circular has a "magnificent" Bivouac (AUS) weanling filly and is in-foal to Brazen Beau (AUS).

"We've really got all the bases loaded for her and looking forward to what she's got for the future," Ward-Thomas added.

World Champion Sprinter Harry Angel (IRE) has also done a remarkable job in a short time, topping the first-season sire tally with 22 Black-Type points.

The dual-Group 1 winner already has seven Stakes winners worldwide - including Blue Diamond (G1) placegetter Arkansaw Kid, Tom Kitten and Stratan Angel in Australia.

"He came here as the best-credentialed son of Dark Angel to stand in the Southern Hemisphere," Ward-Thomas said.

"He rated incredibly high in Timeform (132), higher than the past five Everest winners.

"He was a world-class sprinter and is the sort of horse who suits this country, suits the racing style and is an out-cross to every major bloodline in this country.

"He's done an amazing job, not just for Godolphin but for everybody else who has supported him.

"We are delighted with where he is now."