Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Colonel John was named horse of the meet and outstanding three-year-old male in Santa Anita Park’s annual media poll when the season concluded April 20.

The Tiznow colt stamped himself a leading Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) contender with a half-length victory in the Santa Anita Derby, which was named race of the meet, on April 5.

A WinStar Farm homebred trained by Eoin Harty, Colonel John also won the Sham Stakes (G3) on March 1 in his three-year-old debut at the Arcadia, California, track.

“It’s a wonderful honor and I’m thrilled on behalf of everyone involved with Colonel John,” Harty said.

Despite missing three weeks due to two fractured vertebrae sustained in a March 13 spill, jockey Rafael Bejarano returned to earn outstanding jockey. The 25-year-old Peru native rode 67 winners from 319 starters that amassed $4,197,161 in purse earnings. 

Trainer Mike Mitchell was named outstanding trainer as he saddled 33 winners from 125 starters during the meet. His stable earned $1,541,924 in purse earnings.

Bejarano and Mitchell both led their respective divisions by victories for the meet.

Jose Campos, a 20-year-old Mexico native, was unanimously selected as the meet’s outstanding apprentice jockey. Campos, who won 18 races, loses his five-pound weight allowance on July 25.

2007-‘08 Santa Anita Winter/Spring Media Poll

Horse of the meet: Colonel John              
Older male: Heatseeker (Ire)        
Older female: Zenyatta                  
Grass male: Daytona (Ire)                     
Grass female: Costume (GB)                
Three-year-old male: Colonel John          
Three-year-old female: Ariege                     
Sprinter: Bob Black Jack
Claimer: Ghosttrapper
Trainer: Mike Mitchell
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Apprentice jockey: Jose Campos
Race: Santa Anita Derby (G1)
Achievement: Unusual Heat, sire