Golden Oldies and Patch Adams were recognised as two of the standout horses of the season.

The two horses were shortlisted in a group of five nominated for the award. High Church, London Fog and Vianden were also nominated.

Terry O’Sullivan said it is good for the horses to be recognised for a successful season. “It is a tough caper this industry, so it is nice to get rewarded sometimes,” he said. “It is exciting to have not just one but the two horses nominated. Whether they can win is another story.”

The award recognises the best performing horses in country Victoria for the season, with the horses requiring top have run at least three country races. The award is voted on by CRV’s member clubs, with connections of the top three invited to the awards night where the winner will be announced.

CRV media and communications manager Conor Ryan said members are currently in the process of voting.

“The clubs will rank horses from one to five and then the top three will be selected in the next few weeks,” he said. 

Ryan said for two horses to be nominated from one trainer is out of the ordinary.

“I’d say it is a little unusual,” he said. “For the O’Sullivan’s to have two of five horses nominated shows not only ow good their season has been but also how smart they have been with what races those horses ran.”

Stawell Racing Club operations manager Mark Percival said the two horses have been great.  “They are both wonderful horses, Golden Oldies has had an outstanding season in particular,” he said.

Golden Oldies took out the St Arnaud Cup and the Ararat Gold Cup in consecutive starts in October and November 2016 respectively.

Patch Adams won the Colac Gold Cup in February of this year. The 2016-17 CrownBet Country Racing Victoria Awards will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 26.​