Eclipse Award Winners and Vote Totals

[two gun sid]

Listed below is a complete list of the winner of Eclipse Awards and the vote toals in each category. The tallies below represent only first-place votes from members of the consolidated voting entities -- NTRA/Equibase, Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers Association. Voter participation rate: 242/282 = 86%

Horse of the Year (Name, First-Place Votes)
Curlin, 153; Zenyatta, 69; Big Brown, 13; Raven’s Pass, 2; Einstein, 1; Goldikova (IRE), 1; Peppers Pride, 1; Voter Abstentions, 2.

Older Male
Curlin, 239; Albertus Maximus, 1; Commentator, 1; Go Between, 1

Two-Year-Old Male
Midshipman, 195; Vineyard Haven, 32; Old Fashioned, 7; Donativum (GB), 5; Desert Party, 1; Run Away and Hide, 1; Street Hero, 1.

http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/48965.htm

[jakefrep]

1. That seems about right

Curlin is a deserving winner.

I'm rooting for Old Fashioned to win the Derby this year. His connections (same as Eight Belles and Hard Spun) deserve as much, for all they've been through.

[trumad]

2. Brown should have been 2nd.

[TZ]

3. I dunno

Zenyatta had a hell of a year. I like seeing the distaff get some good recognition..:)
(and I liked BB as you well know)

[trumad]

4. BB did everything he was asked to do....

If he won the Triple Crown, he'd be number one in MHO.

[TZ]

5. oh sure

but the way he lost the Belmont, if he had lost by a nose or a length, I would have expected number one..but too many questions there

[trumad]

7. Again--- one bad race but the others were Gems.

As they say in handicapping--- "throw that race out" and you'd have Horse of the Year, easily.

[bread_and_roses]

6. Yayyyyy! A racing thread!

I don't get too excited over the Eclipse Awards, since they are so subjective, at least, as I understand the voting system - no standard/weighted/objective criteria. How do you compare Curlin's winning over 10 million and ambitious, somewhat risky campaign but rather pedestrian races against the excitement BB created and his few extraordinary performances? Or either of them to Zenyatta -who, it seems to me would be the "winner" if there were objective criteria (and I don't even follow the fillies much)? Or compare Benny the Bull's year to Midnight Lute's tremendous, visually thrilling race in the Breeders Cup off one start?

We were lucky to have some really exciting horses and performances two years in a row, with last year's TC races and BB this year, as well as getting to see Curlin run another year (despite that "pedestrian" above I have been a huge fan and was thrilled to see him run another year, and don't dismiss his accomplishments). And a wonderful, exciting, breakdown-free Breeders Cup to cap it off. Especially Midnight Lute!

[two gun sid]

8. I think Curlin deserved HOTY

but, I sure was a Zenyatta fan. She was unbelievable.

I hope to see all the regulars back for the Derby Trail threads.

Peace

[bread_and_roses]

9. I don't think that Curlin didn't deserve it - if that double negative makes sense -

just not sure the others didn't deserve it just as much. That's my problem with the Eclipse "system." As I said, early and fervent Curlin fan here, thrilled every time he won this year, and impressed that he tried turf and artificial surface and did OK. Good to see you, and since all my early Derby favorites in years past seemed to get injured, I try not to get excited about any too early - but do love to read what others say about them, so will eagerly look forward to the comments as the Trials commence.

Peace to you too!

[two gun sid]

10. I was agreeing with you

I would have been happy with Zenyatta or Curlin as both were deserving. I'd like to see the fans get to vote for HOTY.

Good to see you also, my friend.

I'm thinking the Derby winner is gonna come from overseas this year. I don't have any horse in mind I just think it's about time. Haha.