Piggott, A.P. Indy Win Major European Awards

One triumphed at the Breeders’ Cup, the other tumbled. A.P. Indy and veteran English jockey Lester Piggott won top honors Wednesday at European racing’s prestigious Cartier Awards.

Breeder’s Cup Classic winner A.P. Indy succeeded Arazi as North American horse of the year, getting 20 points in the voting system devised by Cartier. That was seven more than Pleasant Tap, the 5-year-old he beat Oct. 31 to win racing’s richest race at Gulfstream Park.

Arazi, a flop this year after winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile as a 2-year-old last season, won the 1991 award.

Honors also went to Piggott and the tragic Mr Brooks, the colt who had to be humanely destroyed after sending the rider tumbling in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Piggott, 57, suffered a broken collarbone and cracked ribs. Mr Brooks snapped his right front leg and had to be destroyed.

Piggott received the Award of Merit for his overall contribution to racing in Europe.

British-bred Mr Brooks receive 30 points to win the sprinter award after major victories in England and France. At age 5, he also was voted the best horse above age 3.

European horse of the year was User Friendly, a 3-year-old filly who won both the English and Irish Oaks and the St Leger. She also was best 3-year-old filly.

Voted best 3-year-old colt was Rodrigo de Triano.