Leading South Australian chaser Nishiazabu was among five of Australia’s best jumping horses nominated for Champion Jumper of the Year at 2015/16 Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards.

The other outstanding chasers and hurdlers who were nominated for the award included the ultimate winner Zanteco, along with Gingerboy, Sea King and Wells.

Trained by Kevin and Heather Frew at Murray Bridge, Nishiazabu had an outstanding year, winning the Von Doussa Steeplechase at the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival and the SA Grand National Steeple at Morphettville, along with the Thomas Foods Steeplechase at the Oakbank Prelude Meeting.

The 8-year-old gelding was also runner up in the Great Eastern Steeplechase and the Thackeray Chase at Warrnambool, crowning a hugely successful 2016 for connections.

The hugely popular SA jumper – who has his own Facebook page  –  has now had a total of 16 starts over jumps (2 hurdles and 14 steeplechases), for three wins and four places.