Jockey Dwayne Dunn and co-trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig have been crowned champions of the inaugural Spring Racing Premierships.

The Premierships, that were introduced in 2014 to recognise and reward the outstanding performances of leading jockeys and trainers during racing’s premier racing period, came to a thrilling conclusion at Sportingbet Park Sandown on November 15.

Points were awarded to the first three placegetters in each race across 16 meetings between September and November, with bonus points on offer in the elite G1 races headlined by the Emirates Melbourne Cup, Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup and Sportingbet Cox Plate.

Dunn rode 12 winners and filled a minor placing on 21 occasions over the 16 meetings to tally 72 points, edging out Damien Oliver (71 points) with his victory aboard Fast ‘N’ Rocking in the penultimate race of the series.

A feature treble at Sportingbet Park on the final day for Hayes and Dabernig saw them finish with 15 winners and 22 placings across the Premiership period to take their tally to 76 points, ahead of Darren Weir (70) and Chris Waller (63).

Whilst a lucrative personal award of $25,000 provided a strong incentive for the standout performers in the two feature classifications, the Spring Racing Premierships also afforded an opportunity for the racing industry to support those in the community in need with $130,000 on offer in charitable donations and prizemoney.

Dunn secured a $25,000 donation for his nominated charity partner, mental health organisation Beyond Blue, while Hayes and Dabernig presented a cheque for an identical amount to children’s charity, Make A Wish Australia.

Longines, a key supporter of the Spring Racing Premierships and long-time sponsor of premier international racing events, presented the winners with a prestigious Longines Conquest Classic watch.

Dunn, 41, said the lucrative Premiership rewards had provided an extra dimension to the rivalry between riders on feature race days.

“It’s been great for everyone involved and it has provided a good incentive for the jockeys,” Dunn said.

“It’s definitely a thrill to win and importantly, it’s great for us to be able to give something back to the charities so everyone can get something out of it.”

Hayes was thrilled to emerge as spring’s leading trainer and said the victory had provided an early highlight in his training partnership with nephew Dabernig.

“It was a real fight to the end with Darren Weir who has finished second and we’re thrilled to come out on top in the Spring Racing Premierships,” Hayes said.

“It’s obviously terrific for us to be able to give something back to Make A Wish Australia through this initiative and it’s also a great feat for the Hayes and Dabernig partnership in our first season together.”

The Spring Racing Premierships also included classifications to recognise the Premier Sprint Jockey, Premier Staying Jockey and Young Gun Jockey throughout the Carnival, with each offering $5000 to the winning rider and a $5000 donation to their nominated charity.

Damien Oliver was able to clinch the Sprint title that awarded points on races run at or below 1200m, securing a further $5000 donation for Make A Wish Australia.

With wins in Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) and Sportingbet Cox Plate (2040m), star UK jockey Ryan Moore did enough to upstage the local riders and claim the Stayers accolade that recognised performances at or above 2000m.

Moore opted to split his $5000 donation equally between Make A Wish Australia and the National Jockeys Trust (NJT).

And a meeting-high 14 points at Sandown yesterday saw talented Sydney hoop James McDonald (48 points) overhaul Damian Lane (37 points) in the Young Gun title race that was eligible to riders under 26, picking up $5000 for the NJT in the process.

Spring Racing Premierships Final Standings

Premier Spring Racing Jockey

1. Dwayne Dunn (Beyond Blue) – 72 points

2. Damien Oliver (Make A Wish Australia) – 71 points

3. Craig Williams (Make A Wish Australia & Seeing Eye Dogs Australia) – 61 points

4. Kerrin McEvoy (Make A Wish Australia) – 49 points

5. Glen Boss (Seeing Eye Dogs Australia) – 49 points

Premier Spring Racing Trainers

1. David Hayes and Tom Dabernig (Make A Wish Australia) – 76 points

2. Darren Weir (Cystic Fibrosis Victoria) – 70 points

3. Chris Waller (Epilepsy Action Australia) – 63 points

4. Robert Smerdon (Beyond Blue) – 46 points

5. Peter Moody (Movember Australia) – 41 points

Premier Sprint Jockey (Races <1201m)

1. Damien Oliver (Make A Wish Australia) -29 points

2. Dwayne Dunn (Beyond Blue) – 26 points

3. Craig Williams (Make A Wish Australia & Seeing Eye Dogs Australia) – 26 points

4. Stephen Baster (Seeing Eye Dogs Australia) – 17 points

5. Craig Newitt (Heart Kids) – 14 points

Premier Staying Jockey (Races >1999m)

1. Ryan Moore (National Jockeys Trust & Make A Wish Australia) – 24 points

2. Kerrin McEvoy (Make A Wish Australia) – 23 points

3. Damien Oliver (Make A Wish Australia) – 22 points

4. Dwayne Dunn (Beyond Blue) – 17 points

5. Nicholas Hall (Beyond Blue) – 16 points

Premier Young Gun Jockey (Riders under 26 on December 31)

1. James McDonald (National Jockeys Trust) – 48 points

2. Damian Lane (Cystic Fibrosis Victoria) - 37 points

3. Tommy Berry (Epilepsy Action Australia & National Jockeys Trust) – 36 points

4. Chad Schofield (Epilepsy Action Australia) – 13 points

5. Daniel Stackhouse (Heart Kids) – 8 points