Eclipse Awards- Who Got It, Who Didn't, and Who Just Got There (2008)
J.L. Orchard, Cinch Magazine
Without question, 2008 was a year of wins and losses, scares, disappointments, and stand-up excitement. But like most years, the Eclipse Awards, named after British racing machine, Eclipse, got it right. Voted on by racing secretaries and turf writers to give recognition to horseracing's best here are your nominees and winners for the 2009 Eclipse Awards and the elusive Horse of the Year.
Steeplechase Horse of the Year
Be Certain wasn't a sure pick, nor was Sovereign Duty, but Good Night Shirt jumped to the top with votes and took this award home.
Top Female Sprinter
The nominees for this category were Intangaroo, Ventura, and Indian Blessings … whichever horse had blessings in its name, that's the one that stole the prize.
Top Male Sprinter
Midnight Lute, Street Boss, and Benny the Bull made up the list of nominees finishing with Benny the Bull on top.
Top Female Turf Horse
Cocoa Beach wasn't only nominated for this award but also for Top Older Female. In the end neither her nor well-known racehorse, Goldikova, won Top Female Turf but rather the award went to racehorse, Forever Together.
Top Male Turf Horse
Brazilian horse, Einstein, and Grand Couturier were nominated but in the end Conduit had them both beat.
Top Two-Year-Old Male
On the list were Midshipman, Vineyard Haven, and Old Fashioned -- Midshipman took it home.
Top Two-Year-Old Female
Stardom Bound held true to her name and won it over against Dream Express and Maram.
Top Three-Year-Old Female
With great respect and sentiment, Eight Belles, who was euthanized after finishing second then breaking both front ankles on the pull-up in the Kentucky Derby, was on the list of nominees for Top Three-year-old Female of the Year. Along with her went Music Note and Proud Spell, and Proud Spell took honors.
Top Three-Year-Old Male
Colonel John made it onto the list along with Breeders' Cup Classic Champion, Raven's Pass. But who got it? That one and only Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner -- Big Brown!
Top Older Female
Compare these names: Cocoa Beach, Zenyatta, and Ginger Punch … who got it? Undefeated -- Zenyatta!
Top Older Male
The Brazilians made the nominees list again with their horse, Einstein. Commentator also made the list, but of course the biggest money winner in American history had them all beat … Curlin took honors.
Horse of the Year
2007 Horse of the Year, Curlin, was of course on the list of nominees along with, who else, Big Brown. The undefeated Breeders' Cup Ladies' champion, Zenyatta was also up for the bid. So who got it, that's right -- two time Horse of the Year, Curlin!
The Eclipse Awards also acknowledges Owner, Breeder, Trainer, Jockey, and Apprentice Jockey of the Year, all nominees and winners for which can be viewed on www.drf.com Where Are Our Horses? Unlike last year after the Eclipse nominations, Curlin has been retired to stud, and although he seems to be doing fine at Lane's End his caretakers comment that he still wants to run.
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