After the votes were counted, Atomica, who had an excellent season, winning five races from seven starts, was voted Horse of the Year for 2023, for the second-consecutive year.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at Caymanas Park on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Atomica’s outstanding performances during the racing season last year easily earned her the top choice for the award, which was decided by a 15-person voting committee.

The group was made up of media representatives as well as officials from Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), the racing promoter.

Atomica, a five-year-old chestnut mare, won several races, including the Labour Day Trophy (7 furlongs or 1,400m), Clovis Metcalfe Trophy (7 ½ furlongs or 1,500m), Legal Light Trophy (9 furlongs and 25 yards or 1,820m), Menudo (10 furlongs or 2,000m), and Jamaica Cup (9 ½ furlongs or 1,900m). These wins earned her $6,346,650.

Atomica, who is bred by Karl Samuda, is owned by Don Wehby of Oakridge Farm, trained by Gary Subratie, and groomed by Lyndel Bennett.

Subratie was overjoyed with her achievement, which he described as really special.

“I am proud of her, and I believe we accomplished a lot of work.

“Last year, we had some difficult times with her, but we got through it all. She proved herself last year, and she’ll be even stronger this year,” Subratie shared.

Atomica was also voted champion four-year-old and upwards, champion stayer overall, and champion local bred overall.

Wehby said that Atomica is a very special horse to his family.

“She’s a very, very special filly,” said Wehby.

“My dad, who was the founder of Oakridge Farm, passed away on August 2, 2022, and she won the Jamaica Derby Classic the week after.

“Atomica has brought so much happiness to my family that I’m almost speechless,” he added.

Mouttet Mile winner Rough Entry and Jamaica Derby hero Ability were named first and second runners-up to the Horse of the Year, respectively.

Rough Entry, trained by Rohan Crichton, was also named champion middle-distance performer as well as champion foreign-bred runner.

The Patrick Lynch-owned and trained Ability was voted champion three-year-old overall.

Mamma Mia, who won both the 1000 Guineas and Jamaica Oaks, was voted as the champion three-year filly. Her stablemate
Intrestntimesahead, who won the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes (GRI), was voted champion two-year-old overall. Both horses are trained by Jason DaCosta.

Champion sprinter overall went to Gold Cup winner She’s My Destiny, who is owned by Everton Rose and Akim Mahadiow and trained by DaCosta.

Also out of the DaCosta barn, Digital One was voted as champion two-year-old sprinter and American-bred Is That A Fact was crowned champion three-year-old sprinter.

The Richard Azan-conditioned Mojito, who won the Jamaica 2000 Guineas, was voted as champion three-year-old middle distance performer.

The most improved trainer award went to Ryan Williams, while Raddesh Roman was voted most improved jockey.

Other Champions of 2023

Owner: Carlton Watson

Trainer: Jason DaCosta

Jockey: Reyan Lewis

Apprentice: Matthew Bennett

Groom: Steven Smith

Breeder: Ham Stables Limited

Sire: Soul Warrior

Broodmare: Blufield