Eclipse Awards

I'm sitting here watching the Eclipse Awards, and can I just say this? I am so sick of the Breeder's Cup becoming the defining moment for the end of the year awards. A horse loses 10 races in a year, but wins a Breeders Cup race and suddenly is crowned a champion over a horse that has WON 10 races in a year? No way. Not that this is really happening this year- this is one of the most amazing group of horses that I have ever seen! But I needed to vent that feeling from previous years.
Anyway, here are my thoughts on this heartbreaking year in horseracing, starting of course with my man Barbaro (whether you care to read them or not). How can you not root for Barbaro in any category that he is up for? An undefeated colt on dirt and grass, the Kentucky Derby winner by a margin not seen in over 60 years, who goes on to survive a nearly catastrophic injury with grace and dignity surely deserves all accolades that can be thrown his way. The intelligence and courage that this colt has shown through his racing career and slow recovery is nothing short of amazing. The way that he has pulled together people of all ages, from die hard horse racing fans to people whose knowledge of racing extends no further than Secretariat, makes him nothing less than horse of the year. In my heart, win or lose, he is Horse of the Year.
And then, of course, the other heartbreakers this year: Pine Island and Fleet Indian, both with nearly identical injuries in the Breeder's Cup Distaff. One was pulled up in time by her jockey and is expected to recover; the other threw her jockey to the ground and kept running, desperate to win her race even though her poor legs could no longer cooperate. The determination that made her more dominating with every race, the beauty that caught fans' attention and the heart that made her the barn "pet" was also Pine Island's downfall. She deserves the 3 year old filly title, not only for her performance, but for her courage that defined the thoroughbred breed. Though Wait a While is amazing on the turf, she continues to improve and will have her chance for the award next year. Pine Island, unfortunately, does not. And naturally, with Fleet Indian running undefeated except for her very last race where she was injured, absolutely should be older female of the year.
Since pre-show is ending and the awards are starting, let me wrap this up.
Gorella- she's my girl. I love her; no one has a closing kick like she does. She's a joy to watch and takes my breath away. I'm so happy I got to see her at Keeneland this year!!! Ouija Board is possibly the best mare of the century, I love her too, but she's raced here ONCE and is horse of the year in Europe. Give the turf award to my girl Gorella!
The Tin Man- you go, old man! Nine years old and you kick ass, going undefeated in the U.S this year, running second in Dubai- you are turf male of the year. Ditto for McDynamo in the steeplechase category.
Invasor- Pure domination. You are older horse of the year, and I am sure you will get horse of the year over my boy Barbaro. But I can forgive you for that. Kick ass in the 2007 World Cup.
Henny Hughes is my sprinter man- sorry, but he kicks ass, and to count him out because of a Breeder's Cup loss after a troubled trip… well, I'll be pissed. Refer to my earlier comments.
And of course, off topic, is Lost in the Fog. Only three races this year before he gave up on his cancer-ridden body. How much courage does it take to run your heart out while carrying around a tumor? You are a champion no matter where you are.
Ok, let's see how right I am.