Spunlago was announced as the winner at the SDRA Awards Night at Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Wednesday.

The win provided Albury trainer Ron Stubbs with his first SDRA Horse of the Year title.

Spunlago's breakthrough Saturday metropolitan victory at Flemington in May paved the way for the win.

It was the first time an SDRA-trained horse had won a Saturday race at metropolitan level, outside of a Highway Handicap, since Jo Jo Girl in 2014.

Spunlago won more than any horse in the SDRA last season, earning $166,705 with four wins and three minor placings from 13 starts.

Albury trainer Ron Stubbs was not in attendance but told the function via phone that is was a great honour to win the award with Spunlago.

"It's a big thrill," Stubbs said.

"I'm very lucky to have a horse of this calibre to train and I'm very thrilled to be able to win."

Spunlago is set to contest the $150,000 Kilmore Cup (1600m) at Seymour on Sunday before backing up in the $100,000 Wodonga Cup (1590m) on Friday week.

Meantime, Corowa filly News Girl was named SDRA 3YO of the Year.

Trained by Geoff Duryea, News Girl ran second in the group three Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in February.

News Girl won $106,750 in earnings for the season with two wins and three placings from 10 starts.

Duryea said News Girl is nearing a return and could trial at Wagga on Saturday week.

Unbeaten Wagga filly Pressed For Thyme won SDRA 2YO of the Year.

Trained by Tim Donnelly, Pressed For Thyme won her only start in impressive fashion on Wagga Town Plate day this year.

Part-owner Gordan Saggers said the filly was in the paddock and would return for her three-year-old campaign in the new year.

Trevor Sutherland and Blaike McDougall were also presented with their SDRA premierships on the night.

McDougall took out both the apprentice and senior jockeys title.

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