It's awards season. While the film community is edging closer to the Academy Awards, last week thoroughbred racing honored it best at the Eclipse Awards for 2013. Individuals and organizations ranging from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to owner/sports broadcaster Jim Rome gathered at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida to celebrate.
Wise Dan, last year's Horse of the Year, won the same championship honor this year. He also repeated his wins in the Older Horse and Turf Horse championship categories. Wise Dan's team is looking to race their champion in 2014.
For the third year, Royal Delta won an Eclipse championship -- 2013 and 2012 for Older Mare, and in 2011 for 3 Year Old Filly. Royal Delta has been retired from racing and will start a new career as a broodmare. Plans are to send the Empire Maker mare to Ireland for a date with European Champion Galileo.
Todd Pletcher set a new record when he was named Outstanding Trainer for 2013. The 6-time Eclipse winner thanked his family and stable team, then gave an eloquent tribute to Repole Stable's grand graded-stakes winner, Caixa Eletronica.
The horses winning Eclipse Awards for the 2013 season are:
Wise Dan, photo courtesy of America's Best Racing/Penelope Miller
Horse of the Year
Wise Dan, 208; Mucho Macho Man, 21; Will Take Charge, 15; Dank (GB), 1; Princess of Sylmar, 1; Royal Delta, 1. Voter Abstentions, 2.
Older Male
Wise Dan, 123; Mucho Macho Man, 93; Game On Dude, 31; Flat Out, 2.
Male Turf Horse
Wise Dan, 243; Magician (IRE), 4; Obviously (IRE), 1; Point of Entry, 1.
Shared Belief, photo courtesy of Horsephotos
Two-Year-Old Male
Shared Belief, 115; New Year's Day, 99; Havana, 24; Honor Code, 5; Outstrip (GB), 4; Tamarando, 1; No Vote 1.
She's a Tiger, photo courtesy of America's Best Racing/Penelope Miller
Two-Year-Old Filly
She's a Tiger, 212; Chriselliam (IRE),15; Ria Antonia, 10; Sweet Reason, 3; Stopshoppingmaria, 3; Streaming 3; My Conquestadory, 2; Artemis Agrotera, 1.
Will Take Charge, photo courtesy of America's Best Racing/Penelope Miller
Three-Year-Old Male
Will Take Charge, 231; Orb, 15; Palace Malice, 1; Goldencents, 1; Verrazano, 1.
Beholder, photo courtesy of America's Best Racing/Penelope Miller
Three-Year-Old Filly
Beholder, 207; Princess of Sylmar, 42.
Royal Delta, photo courtesy of America's Best Racing/Penelope Miller
Older Female
Royal Delta, 234; Dank (GB), 5; Joyful Victory, 3; Tiz Miz Sue, 2; Dance to Bristol, 1; Laughing (IRE),1; Brandy's Secret, 1. Voter Abstention, 1. No Vote, 1.
Points Offthebench, photo courtesy of Horsephotos
Male Sprinter
Points Offthebench, 125; Secret Circle, 70; Sahara Sky, 45; Justin Phillip, 4; Private Zone, 2; Immortal Eyes, 1; Strapping Groom, 1. Voter Abstention, 1.
Groupie Doll, photo courtesy of America's Best Racing/Penelope Miller
Female Sprinter
Groupie Doll, 192; Mizdirection, 45; Cluster of Stars, 7; Dance to Bristol, 5.
Dank(GB), photo courtesy of America's Best Racing/Penelope Miller
Female Turf Horse
Dank (GB), 229; Laughing (IRE), 8; Mizdirection, 8; Alterite (FR) 1; Egg Drop, 1; Emollient, 1; Kitten's Dumplings, 1.
Divine Fortune, photo (c) Tod Marks/www.todmarks.photoshelter.com
Steeplechase Horse
Divine Fortune, 112; Italian Wedding, 27; Gustavian, 25; Alajmal, 21; Mr. Hot Stuff, 12. Voter Abstentions, 52.
(Awards data provided by the NTRA)