Ascot hero Choisir not even king in his own back yard.

Byline: SYD BRENNAN

CHOISIR may have dished out two beatings to the cream of Europe's sprinters at Royal Ascot, but the Australian star has been overlooked by his nation's racing journalists.

The winner of both the Golden Jubilee Stakes and King's Stand Stakes, Choisir was beaten into third by Yell and Spinning Hill in the Australian Racing Writers' Association's poll to determine the country's top sprinter.

The Paul Perry-trained four-year-old - whose Ascot triumphs were not taken into account during voting - did receive some consolation after being hailed the Champion International Performer, having been the only contender in the category.

The Dermot Weld-trained Melbourne Cup hero Media Puzzle plundered another Australian prize as his autumn exploits - which also included victory in the Geelong Cup - were enough to crown him the Champion Stayer. Dermot Cantillon, racing manager for Media Puzzle's owner, Dr Michael Smurfit, flew to Melbourne to accept the award.

Northerly, who proved too strong for Godolphin's Grandera when winning the Cox Plate, polled 132 of a possible 159 votes to earn the mantle of Australia's Champion Racehorse of the Year.

He started 14 times through the 2002-2003 season, winning on seven occasions with three second placings, accumulating more than A$5.5 million in prize-money.

Damien Oliver, who partnered Media Puzzle at Flemington just days after the sudden death of his brother Jason, was named Racing Personality of the Year.

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Award winners: Dermot Weld's Media Puzzle and jockey Damien Oliver