Curlin is Horse of the Year

Curlin, the winner of the Breeder's Cup Classic and the Preakness, among other significant races, won Horse of the year last night at the Eclipse Awards in Los Angeles. According to the AP, Curlin dominated the voting, receiving 249 first-place votes. Todd Pletcher was named trainer of the year; Garrett Gomez was jockey of the year and Breeder's Cup Juvenile winner War Pass was named top 2-year old male, making him the early favorite for the Kentucky Derby.

Curlin is also in the news because two of his original owners are currently in jail in Kentucky for fraud related to the diet medication phen-fen. It is a very complicated legal situation (someone should write a book about that!) that has resulted in numerous court battles and I don't pretend to be well versed in all the details. However, the plans are for Curlin to race as a four year old, which I suspect may be because of the legal difficulties currently associated with syndicating him for stud

The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington won a special Eclipse award for contributions to thoroughbred racing. The Park, which was home to the late John Henry, hosts nearly 900,000 visitors a year, including those who come for equestrian events as well as the daily Parade of Champions. It is also home to numerous retired champions of the racetrack and show ring. This is one more reason why I think it will also be chosen as Barbaro's burial site, although I do not have any official word on that.

Word does have it, however, that the Fans of Barbaro are planning a check presentation at New Bolton Center on January 28th, one day before the first anniversary of his death. Personnel at New Bolton wanted the 29th to be a quiet day with no formal observances which is why the 28th was chosen. I am awaiting further details from New Bolton about this presentation and I hope to attend.

With the Eclipse Awards over, racing begins the official countdown to the Kentucky Derby, Saturday , May 3.