Legislate, owned by Newbury Racing in partnership with Drakenstein Stud and Jack Mitchell, reeled off four successive Group wins last season culminating with his controversial Durban July after the disqualification of original winner Wylie Hall.
Legislate was also named champion 3-year-old colt and champion middle distance horse for the 2013-2014 season.
He pulled up lame after last month’s Durban July but Snaith, who was also honoured as South Africa’s champion trainer last season, is confident he will make a successful return as a four-year-old.
Legislate’s sire Dynasty, South Africa's Horse of the Year in 2002, is also the sire of Beauty Beach, named Equus champion older female.
Dynasty was recognised with a special Outstanding Stallion Achievement award.
S'Manga Khumalo became the first black jockey to win the South African championship.
Khumalo, whp rode at last week’s Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot in the UK, won 185 races and finished 40 wins clear of runner up Richard Fourie on the premiership.
Snaith became the first Cape-based trainer to win the title in 24 years, winning 194 races.
Snaith also trains the Equus 3YO Filly of the Year The Fast Lane.
Markus and Ingrid Jooste won the Equus award as leading owners for the seventh successive year. Their runners last season iEquus award winners Variety Club (Champion Miler) and Yorker (Champion Older Male).
Klawervlei Stud won the breeder award by prize money won.
EQUUS AWARD WINNERS 2013-2013
2YO Colt: Harry's Son
2YO Filly: Majmu
3YO Colt: Legislate
3YO Filly: In The Fast Lane
Older Male: Yorker
Older Female: Beach Beauty
Sprinter: Via Africa
Miler: Capetown Noir
Middle Distance Horse: Legislate
Exceptional Breeding Achievement: Beaumont Stud (Variety Club) & Klawervlei Stud (Vercingetorix)
Outstanding Breeder Award: Carl and Amanda de Vos
Outstanding Stallion Award: Dynasty
Broodmare Of The Year: Star Of Arcole
Stallion: Jet Master
Special Achievement Award: Variety Club
Media (print): David Mollett
Media (television): Andrew Bonn
Breeder Of The Year: Klawervlei
Apprentice: Aukash Aucharuz
Jockey: S'Manga Khumalo
Trainer: Justin Snaith
Owner: Markus and Ingrid Jooste
Horse Of The Year: Legislate