Horse racing news and notes (1-28-09): Curlin once again Horse of Year
January 28, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeding, California Racing, Horse Racing History, Horses, International Racing, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers, Triple Crown
Eclipse Awards
Curlin repeated as Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Award ceremonies. The recently retired all-time North American money earner stands at Lane’s End Farm with a $75k stud fee. Undefeated miss Zenyatta took home Older Female honors.
Big Brown was unanimously voted 3yo Champion, and Proud Spell took down 3yo filly honors over her late stablemate Eight Belles.
As expected, Midshipman is the Juvenile Champ, and Stardom Bound nabbed Juvenile Filly honors.
The other equine Eclipse Awards went to Conduit (Turf Male), Forever Together (Turf Female), Benny the Bull (Male Sprinter), Indian Blessing (Female Sprinter), and Good Night Shirt (Steeplechaser).
Steve Asmussen was the top Trainer, and Garrett Gomez the leading Jockey. Pascacio Lopez nabbed Apprentice Jockey honors, and Stronach Stables edged out IEAH Stables by one vote. Adena Springs (Frank Stronach) took home the Breeder trophy.
California
Colonel John is recovering from a pulled muscle and will miss the upcoming Strub Stakes.
Promising 3yo Pioneerof The Nile continues to tear up Pro-Ride surface in advance of the Robert B. Lewis (G2) on Feb 7th.
Stardom Bound is expected to make her 3yo bow in the Feb 7th Las Virgenes (G1).
Florida
Despite a gloomy economy, handle is on the rise at Gulfstream, and that news is not surprising given the daily full fields and great betting opportunities.
A pair of Kentucky Derby preps are on tap this week at the Gulf. Break Water Edison and Hello Broadway lead the field in the seven panel Hutcheson (G2) on Friday, and Idol Maker (Empire Maker) should prove hard to handle in the Holy Bull (G3) for Todd Pletcher.
Recent Eclipse Award winner Benny the Bull is coming out of retirement after recovering from an ankle chip. The Dutrow/IEAH runner will likely return this summer.
Japan
Casino Drive got back on the beam in an allowance victory, and it would be great to see him return to the US later this year. He may end up in the Dubai World Cup in March.
Photo Credit: newscom.com
