Maher, who has enjoyed a successful season on the track, took home three awards from the Mosstrooper Fellowship Awards in Melbourne on Sunday night.

He was presented with the J.J Houlahan Championship trainer's award, the Les Short South Australia jumping achievement of the year award and his old mate Al Garhood took home the provincial jumping achievement of the year honour for his effort in winning the Grand Annual Steeplechase by 20 lengths.

It was the second time has claimed the Houlahan championship award which is based on points from 14 races across Victoria and South Australia.

Maher said it was the first time he had won the Short and provincial jumping achievement awards.

"I knew I had won the J.J Houlahan but the other two I didn't, they were a big surprise," Maher said.

"It's been a super year."

Maher paid tribute to Al Garhood, which as a 10-year-old won this year's Von Doussa Steeplechase at Oakbank in April and the famous Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool's May Racing Carnival.

"Old Al Garhood, he's getting on a bit but he's getting better and better, it's been his best year."

Al Garhood narrowly missed out on being named the champion jumper of the year, finishing eight points adrift of the Fran Houlahan and Brian Johnston-trained Tarawera, which won several races including the Australian Steeplechase (3900m).

Maher won the Les Short award for his feats at Oakbank at Easter when he won two of three feature races, the Yalumba Classic Hurdle (3600m) with Art Success and the Von Doussa.

Three-time Tommy Corrigan Medallist Steven Pateman was awarded the trophy for champion jockey.

Million-dollar horse Some Are Bent, which was retired earlier this month, took home the jumping achievement award over his half-brother Black And Bent while former Hamilton businessman Sir Reginald Ansett received an award for his a lifetime contribution to jumps racing.