The five-year-old bay mare was awarded the Central Districts Horse of the Year for her impressive six wins and five placings for the year.

Local trainer, Barry Molloy, said having her recognised was a great feeling as she was a good horse.

Mr Molloy said their rider, Catherine Newcombe, took a liking to Lake Lugarno straight away.

Part-owner, Rod Mullavey from Albury said all credit for the horse’s success goes to Barry for his patience and horsemanship skills in training Lake Lugarno.

Mr Mullavey said her record of placing 18 times out of 20 starts was amazing and almost unheard of.

“As an owner, it’s the most fun that you can have with a horse,” Mr Mullavey said.

Feature wins for Lake Lugarno include the Wellington Town Plate, the Cup Day Sprint at Orange and the Dulhunty at Dubbo when defeating the two best sprinters in the region, Danish Lace and Zarhron.

Barry Molloy, a long time successful trainer, has a good team of assistants including trackwork rider Catherine Newcombe who has been closely involved with Lake Lugarno since the now five year old mare came to the Forbes stables as an unraced filly.

Before retiring from race riding, Catherine Newcombe was aboard for the first two wins by Lake Lugarno at Wellington and Cowra.