SHE already had two bronze Paralympic medals to her name for this year but now Speewah equestrian Georgia Bruce can add another prestigious award to her list of achievements for 2008.

The 27-year-old was named Sportstar of the Year at the Equestrian Queensland presentation night in Brisbane last Saturday.

Bruce admitted she was surprised to hear her name read out considering the calibre of the four other finalists.

"It’s just such a huge honour," Bruce said.

"There are so many talented equestrians in Queensland so to win was very exciting," she said.

"It’s been an amazing year.

"It’s starting to wind down now and it’s good to have some time off and reflect on what I’ve been able to."

Bruce was the most successful member of the Australian equestrian team at the Beijing Paralympic Games.

She finished third in both the individual championship test and individual freestyle test.

But in terms of a thrill, Bruce ranked riding down the home straight at Flemington racecourse on Melbourne Cup day with the rest of the Australian equestrian team nearly as high as winning her medals.

"That was so much fun," Georgia said.

"Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to put a bet on the race because we were so busy with the horses.

"But I was glad Bart Cummings won."

Tableland Regional Council will stage a civic reception for Bruce tonight to honour her fantastic year.

The reception will be held at Kuranda Resort and Spa from 6.30pm.

Gordonvale equestrian Teagan Kidner was nominated for Junior Sportstar of the Year but missed out on the award.

Kuranda’s Morris Hamill won administrator of the year.

Hamill is the driving force for event organisation at the North Queensland Showjumping Club.

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