LIVE BLOG: MR. PAULICK GOES TO THE ECLIPSE AWARDS
Hank Aaron hits number 715…Secretariat wins the Belmont by 31 lengths…Brett Favre starts 269 games in a row at QB…and now Ray Paulick liveblogs from the Eclipse Awards without a computer! That’s right, Ray will be entering the pantheon of the unlikely as he attempts to bring you the Paulick Report reader unprecedented coverage of tonight’s awards ceremony. We will be operating here at Paulick Report Command Central giving the play by play results of tonight’s event while Ray will be the color commentary via text message.
What are the stars wearing? (We knew Larry Jones would be in his black-tie cowboy get-up, but were taken aback by the Scottish fellow in kilts standing nearby — pictured below.) How many people are sporting Zenyatta for President T-shirts? How many licks does it take to get to the candy center of a Tootsie-Pop? These and other questions will be answered below. Enjoy and keep the comments flowing!
6:56CC…Alright folks, Brad here at Command Central. I will be receiving messages from Ray throughout the night and keeping up to date with the things you won’t be privy to on the telecast. My comments will have a CC for Command Central after the time and the ones from Ray will have a RP after the time.
6:58RP…closest thing to a celebrity I’ve met so far is former WI Gov. Tommy Thompson, who has been hired by the NTRA to oversee the health and safety alliance. Tommy seemed happy to hear that I grew up on the Illinois side of the Wisconsin border.
7:00CC…and the telecst begins. Something about Frank Sinatra and a cocktail party.
7:01RP…Many of the guests were lamenting the passing of Joe Hirsch, the longtime executive columnist of the DRF. The PR learned that NYRA is preparing a memorial for Hirsch the week of the Belmont Stakes in June.
7:04CC…Interviewing Jerry and Ann Moss, they ask if they think Zenyatta could pull Horse of the Year. Gives a solid if not predictable answer.
7:05RP…Good line from Cot Campbell during the blustery cocktail hour outside of the Fountainbleu Hotel. "My hair’s getting all messed up," Campbell said patting down his gray locks. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the shiny pate of Mike Smith and commented, "Mike’s in pretty good shape with the wind."
7:06CC…Who thinks Eight Belles should win 3 year old filly? I’m a Proud Spell guy myself.
7:07CC…Iavarone looks shiny. And the interviewer mispronounced his name. Thinks that it’s the competition was so strong and that’s the reason Big Brown isn’t going to win the HOY award. Either that or maybe it’s because he finished last in the Belmont and bowed out of the BC Classic.
7:10CC…Frank Stronach isn’t there. Wonder why?
7:15CC…Asmussen being interviewed. Sure, it’s good to hear from him but I wonder what his facial hair has to say. And he looked a little scary on screen. Just saying.
7:16CC…announcer just made an interesting observation. Asmussen has more wins than Dutrow and Frankel combined.
7:19CC…I don’t know about you but nothing is more interesting than insurance talk…
7:20RP…Dinner is served! Ceremonies starting soon.
7:22CC…just pushed the new Jockeys show on Animal Planet. Said it was The Hills or Real Housewives of Orange County only with jockeys. Decided jockeys have more drama. Scandalous!
7:24RP…Jess Jackson is here with a new look…a nifty goatee. (Only two bodyguards according to an associate. I don’t have a count yet on the number of bodyguards for Iavarone of IEAH…see earlier post on Eclipse predictions for further explanation)
7:26CC…NTRA Moment of the Year of course is Zenyatta in the Breeders’ Cup. Sounded like six people clapped for the clip.
7:28CC…TWO MINUTES TO POST!!!
7:29CC…Darby Dan with a big ad buy during the break. I hear there’s a website that’s much cheaper than what TVG charges…
7:30CC…Privman starts off the ceremony with a Joe Hirsch memorial.
7:33CC…Faith, I’m efforting a response on your important request…
7:33RP…Nice touch to dedicate the awards to Joe Hirsch. There are several hundred folks here tonight and I’d be hard pressed to find one person who didn’t love Joe.
7:35RP…(FAITH UPDATE) The vine ripened tomato salad was excellent, the seared tenderloin tender (tho a bit overcooked) and the roast garlic shrimp outstanding. I could have used a bit more of the curried sweet potatoes, but I did just squeeze into my tux pants.
7:37RP…Kenny Rice don’t give up your day job to become a stand up comic
7:38CC…and our first technical glitch of the evening!
7:39CC…first (non) surprise of the night, Midshipman wins 2 year old male
7:40RP…more food update…Kendall-Jackson wine is being served to all (whether or not they supported Curlin)
7:41RP…A dinner companion staying at the Fountainbleu rated the dinner "four stars" compared to other restaurants at the hotel
7:42CC…and now 2 year filly goes to…
7:42CC…Stardom Bound!
7:44RP…Even though IEAH now owns Stardom Bound, the award was rightly given to Charles Cono. Fifteen years ago when Kotashaan won HOY, the Eclipse wasn’t given to his longtime owners, the Werthemer brothers, but to the Japanese stud farm that bought him to run in his final start, the Japan cup. They got it right this time.
7:47RP…Bob Baffert isn’t at the awards. Times are tough. He tells me he can’t afford to fly his family from LA. Guess Baffert doesn’t get those Southwest Airlines special fare emails.
7:50CC…John and Brad Henegan from First Saturday in May accept the award they already got.
7:51RP…From one of the Hennegan brothers the first ever Eclipse award shout out to Payless Shoes.
7:54CC…Did you know that WAVE 3 TV won a media Eclipse Award? You did? Oh, I must have slept in that day.
7:54RP…They need more journalism awards…you think? That’s my favorite part of the Academy Awards…best movie review!
7:56RP…The podium reminds me of a Barack Obama press conference when several women advisers were introduced to the media and only the top of their heads showed. Same with the jockeys and Jennie Rees of Courier Journal
7:58CC…the photog award is so embarassing with that misspelled background. Junenile…unreal
8:00CC…Vinnie Perrone just asked for a step stool. No, actually, he demanded one and asked "what kind of operation are you running here?"
8:01CC…and this is why
8:03RP…Anyone remember the Grammys when the band started playing because Sinatra went on too long…Sinatra!!!
8:04CC…And he’s finally finished. Four minutes later. Did anyone not tell him to keep it pithy? I mean, he seems like a nice guy, but honestly everyone is here for things besides Vinnie’s award.
8:07CC…Kenny Rice just bombed like three jokes in a row. Literally no response from the crowd. Love it!
8:09CC…Oooh! An award I’m not 100% sure of the outcome on! Male Turf
8:10CC…The winner is Conduit.
8:11CC…More importantly, this just came in from Ray. Dessert!
8:13CC…Female Turf goes to…
8:14CC…Forever Together
8:15RP…George Strawbridge defines grace and class. He gave a very elegant acceptance on behalf of Forever Together.
8:15CC…If you are watching both the TVG telecast and this blog, apparently Ray is in the future. That’s why he already knew about Strawbridge’s speech.
8:17CC…Apparently Ray was still hungry
8:18RP…Dessert was outstanding…my first roast hazelnut praline, chocolate terrine, coconut bavaroise
8:19CC…Standing ovation for Alice Headley Chandler
8:19RP…Tommy Thompson left his table…I think the media awards got to him
8:20CC…Hopefully Alice will run into Vinnie Perrone in the hallway and talk to him about speech length. That was a perfect acceptance speech.
8:22RP…Weird observation…some people who are seated near the stage are watching the large screen monitor instead. Kind of like the racetrack where we watch the TVinstead of the horses in front of us.
8:23CC…Steeplechase winner Good Night Shirt
8:25RP…Steeplechase owner..time’s up. Where’s the band when you need them? Hostage taker.
8:28RP…Although the acceptance was about as long as a jump race.
8:29CC…And now for Breeder, Adena Springs, Stonerside and WinStar
8:30CC…Adena Springs wins News at 11
8:31RP…Barbara…I saw Steve Asmussen up close and personal and I found him not the least bit scary looking. But he did growl at me
8:32RP…And I did eat the holy cross on the dessert. Yum!
8:32RP…Love the lecture from the handicapper of the year. He’s really good.
8:33RP…Random thought. Chantal Sutherland is mesmerizing Here she is, sitting with Mike Smith while no doubt catching up on my live blog!
8:35RP…I think Steven Crist wishes he had a hook to yank the handicapper off stage
8:37RP…Now I wish I had a hook for this guy. I take my earlier comments back.
8:39CC…and still going….
8:41CC…like the Energizer Bunny. Seriously.
8:43RP…Dayyam. I missed the Conduit wardrobe malfunction. Had my head down thumbing away
8:44RP…What’s with the Joan Rivers remark? No facelifts for me.
8:45RP…The vets do a great job with the on call program but they are making me feel like I’m at a funeral service. How about a little joke fellas?
8:48RP…Rep Cardoza…pandering for votes and political contributions.
8:53CC…and Benny the Bull wins Male sprinter
8:49RP…Wow…Michael Iavarone is redder faced than me after I spent five hours on the beach
8:51RP…Good news from Iavarone that Benny the Bull will race in 2009…
8:56CC…And now Female Sprinter…
8:57CC…Indian Blessing. I love this horse
9:00RP…I doubt many trainers worked harder than Steve Asmussen in 2008. It really was a remarkable year he had. And he’s got the cutest family in the room…hands down.
9:01CC…For those of you watching on TVG, Ray is quite a bit ahead of us (tape delay). If you don’t want to know before the telecast, look elsewhere.
9:03CC…Which is why you already knew that Asmussen won the award. Barbara, thanks. I was starting to feel sorry for myself. Hopefully Asmussen and Iavarone know it was all in fun!
9:05CC…Well, apparently Stonach won for owner.
9:06RP…I wonder how many racing secretaries that work for Frank Stronach voted for him as leading owner and breeder. I’d imagine they might be more inclined to vote against him.
9:07RP I also wonder how many Breeders’ Cup employees vote and how they voted? Seems they have a vested interest.
9:08RP…Racing secretaries and Breeders’ Cup employees have been part of the NTRA voting members.
9:10RP…and Zenyatta wins. Jerry Moss couldn’t drag trainer John Shirreffs on stage to help him accept Zenyatta’s Eclipse Award.
9:11RP…Moss is the west coast version of George Strawbridge…full of class, extremely articulate and one of the game’s very best. Wish we had more like both of them.
9:13CC…Curlin wins older male. in related news, grass is green and the sky is blue.
9:15RP…Good comment by Jess Jackson saying that older horses can race and also make good sires.
9:16CC…Turk, I’m with you. Why wait when you can hear it from Ray first.
9:17RP…His comment about the industry’s movement to eliminate drugs and become more transparent was well received.
9:18RP…"Keep the horse first, and the horse will take care of you." Well said Jess Jackson
9:19CC…Time for a photo. The Jackson clan.
9:21RP…Curlin wrote a note saying he liked racing but likes his new job even better.
9:22RP…Jerry Moss gets a do-over to thank Mike Smith..this could be a first. Told you he was a class act.
9:23RP…I wonder if Mike stormed off. (Just kidding…there isn’t a more humble guy in the jockey’s room)
9:24CC…Apprentice jockey coming up soon.
9:27CC…Faith, I thought he sent it in Horse Code. (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist)
9:28RP…Winner is Paco Lopez
9:29RP…Someone wrote to say Jess Jackson looks like Don Rickles. That’s not nice you hockey puck!
9:31CC…And now for outstanding jockey, the Eclipse goes to Garrett Gomez.
9:32RP…Garrett Gomez is one tough dude. I said his smile looked pretty good before dinner and he said all his front teeth were temps. Lost em in an ugly spill and he still has a knot on his hand from that spill. To think he was back in the saddle a few days later.
9:34CC…3 year old male goes to…Big Brown
9:35RP…Cash Asmussen presenting with Todd Schrupp of TVG. Hard to believe Cash was a jockey all those years. So tall.
9:36RP…Interesting comment from Anne Campbell about Michael Iavarone. "He looks like Jerry Lewis (a young Jerry Lewis)."
9:39RP…Schrupp gave a very nice tribute to Larry Jones before introducing the 3 year old filly finalists. Second standing ovation of the night.
9:40RP…It was to thank him for facing the media so tirelessly after the death of Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby. Well done.
9:41RP…But Proud Spell won
9:42RP…Second politicians of the night at the podium, former KY Gov Brereton Jones owner and breeder of Proud Spell. Jones says organizers can forget about the one minute rule for acceptance speeches, acknowledging his political past.
9:44CC…picture time again, featuring the Iavarone party
9:46RP…Jones acknowledged the many great trainers in the room but said no one was greater than Larry Jones, who also trained Proud Spell.
9:47RP…Horse of the Year next…
9:48RP…Alex Waldrop to present Horse of the Year.
9:49RP…Alex said someone in the room was live blogging…"so be careful what you say." Wonder who he’s talking about…
9:50RP…And the winner is…CURLIN!!!
9:51RP…Jess Jackson high fives the table.
9:52RP…Jerry Moss picks up his wine glass raises in the air and thanks John Shirrefs for a great year
9:53RP…The other two nominees were Zenyatta and Big Brown
9:55CC…And the Horse of the Year picture
9:56RP…Jess Jackson says Curlin still wants to run…but will enjoy his new job
10:04RP…After the awards closed Brereton Jones said he was more nervous accepting the award than he had ever been giving any political speech. I guess that sums up what the Eclipse Awards mean to horse people.
10:05RP…Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to our hosts, Cot and Anne Campbell of Dogwood Stable and to the dinner companions I wasn’t able to spend enough time talking with.
That’s it from Miami Beach…
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Tags: alex waldrop, anne campbell, benny the bull, Big Brown, brereton jones, conduit, cot campbell, Curlin, eclipse awards, forever together, garrett gomez, george strawbridge, IEAH, indian blessing, jerry moss, jess jackson, Michael Iavarone, midshipman, Paulick Report, proud spell, Ray Paulick, stardom bound, steve asmussen, tommy thompson, tvg, zenyatta
January 26th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Please remember the media calling card for such events….if it’s free, take three.
January 26th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
RC: the credo I always bought into was “If it’s not catered then it’s not journalism.”
January 26th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Is the Chicken baked or fried? Are the sides cold, coo or warm?l
January 26th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Ray Is one for one!!
January 26th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
this is fabulous! I feel like I am right there at the dinner!
January 26th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
If he can’t be the brightest star why show???
January 26th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
This is great! I don’t get it on TV and I appreciate this as well as the humor! Payless shoes - priceless…
January 26th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Grear work so far, thanks so much… keep it coming… I dont get TVG at home, and I rather read it on PR anyhow…
January 26th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
This is Great! I don’t get TVG but Thanks to Ray & Brad, I feel like I’m there as well. Plus this is much more interesting! Go Curlin
January 26th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
i’m in tears! That photo - ba ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
I am watching this on tvg and i went out of the office, made my kids some dinner… helped play with their stuffed animals and Vinnie was STILL blabbing!!! Kenny Trout has awful awful jokes! horrible
January 26th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
If only the Eclipse Awards were produced by someone, anyone, that would recognize that the media awards should not be part of the TVG telecast and if only, there had been a hook for that that media winner that went on and on and on just now.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Ray — Your commentary is priceless! And the photo — I’m in hysterics. Better than TV any day. We’re following you here in the Kendall-Jackson P.R. Dept. Keep it coming!!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
So we don’t if your 3 for 3?
January 26th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
check out the bare bust on owner of conduit!! and e am a girl!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Was that a wardrobe malfunction by Conduit’s owner?
January 26th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Ray, They are providing you with so much classic material. How can you stand it? Did she really just whinny?
January 26th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
What’s with that macabre looking desert? A holly cross to pray for new and improve horse racing with?
January 26th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
If they start listening to you we would all be better off. (Einstein)
January 26th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Brad, may I suggest you leave the pithy comments to Ray? Bashing Big Brown, Moment of the Year, and Asmussen for starters tonight - and rather randomly - while watching on TV - gives me pause as to your judgement. Seriously.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Ray, did you eat the Holly Cross? That’s what I want to know, never mind HOTY. So regarding that wardrobe malfunction? Are they real or fake?
January 26th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Where is the logic in NOT announcing Horse-of-the-Year candidates until the award is given out? It would be like the Academy Awards not announcing Picture-of-the-Year, or The Grammys not announcing Record-of-the-Year until their Show was on.
At the very least, why not name the three nominees 72-hours before the event? By naming the three on the Friday before, you get a weekend boost in interest thru the various media discussing the three choices.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
They don’t name the HOY candidates in advance because they don’t want you to know the division winners in advance.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Excellent news about Forever Together! A body of work in this country, not one race, should be criteria. Disappointing about Conduit winning. If only Einstein’s ownership issues hadn’t messed with his campaign, resulting in a hodge-podge of dirt/turf and not always at his best distances.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Good Night shirt’s owner long winded … at least he is more entertaining than Kenny!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Conduit’s owner should have owned Good Night Shirt.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
wonder what Kaycee’s best talent is?
January 26th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
LOL Ray. That’s better. I can hear that growl. I so miss Bob.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Where is the red light that says Stop. Now. Please.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Great stuff Ray, you’re the Joan Rivers of the horsey set!!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I am glad I am not behind him in line at the teller with a minute to post.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Man, this handicapper just got a job at Turfway and the longest speech (I hope) at the Eclipse Awards as his bonus rounds to winning the contest. Nice.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Can we get a pic of Stacey B. sneering at you?
January 26th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Rootin’ for Lute.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Booo. If the camera missed Pegram, Weitman or they are not there like Baffert I guess we are back to tipping the winners in advance. But nice of Iavarone to give props to Lute.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Couldn’t get a stud deal for Benny in this market? IB better win here.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Is Jess Jackson’s new goatee matching Assmussen’s?
January 26th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Brad you are redeemed if you love the filly;)
January 26th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Ray is always a little ahead of us. We are used to it.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Asmussen had the best speech of the night so far.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Well he won’t win any awards for racetrack remodeling. Gulfstream II - The concrete casino
January 26th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I turned TVG off…This is more interesting. Thanks Ray.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Yeah Curlin
January 26th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I did as well
January 26th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
TVG seemed to cut Andy Stronach off during his remarks for winning leading owner - what an unprofessional thing to do. I believe they did it twice to the Stronachs (who of course started TVG’s competitor HRTV).
January 26th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Like the goatee! Could TVG be that petty as to cut off Stronach’s wife?
January 26th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Well I don’t have TVG so I for one definitely love the play-by-play from Ray.
Thank you for providing this!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I heard he pawed it out in Morse Code
January 26th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Was it Stacy that wrote that about Jess Jackson ?
January 26th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Jerry Moss is top shelf. He’s one of a handful of owners that stir a warm fuzzy in me.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
I love Garrett.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
I hope horse racing doesn’t lose Larry Jones. His horses run as honestly as he is.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Big Brown is the bomb!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I Love Larry and Cindy Jones ! We need more trainers like them!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
3-year-old filly – Proud Spell over Eight Belles (performance should win out over sentiment)
Called it!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Proud Spell deserved it. It’s not Eight Belle’s fault she was nominated out of sentiment
January 26th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Alex Waldrop is the best!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
“They” need to be careful period!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Any supoenas served as yet?
January 26th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
I bet 75% of the attendees rush home to read the PR! 20% are to scared to and 5% will pass out and read it toorrow.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
…”Keep the horse first, and the horse will take care of you.” The simple, logical truth. Thanks JJ.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Congratulations to Curlin, Jess & Barbara Jackson and the entire Curlin Team ! Enjoy your new occupation Mighty Curlin !
January 26th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I hope “they” decide on a different emcee next year.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Thanks Ray for the great play by play tonite!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Hay…Oats…Water…Love.
Thank you Curlin.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Well said Turk. Thanks Curlin, enjoy your new job!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Thanks Ray for a wonderful play by play!
Congrats to Curlin and all of his connections!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Jess, President Obama says to you, too, “I won.”
January 26th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I thought kenny bombing on all those jokes was HYSTERICAL! too funny!!!!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Thanks Ray for the wonderful time and for sharing your desert with us.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Jess we can.. what a bomb! Lol ha ha ha
January 26th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
oops! Ray I meant: your dessert.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
On behalf of those without TVG or HRTV….thanks for blogging the results and giving us “the flavor” of the awards dinner. And yes, that dessert looked mighty tasty.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Thanks for the report! I traveled from Chicago to Orlando tonight and my hotel doesn’t get TVG, so I was SO glad for your blog. Colorful observations.
Congrats to all, but especially Curlin!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Great job Ray! Not getting TVG here, it was nice to be able follow along with the awards night. CONGRATULATIONS CURLIN and his connections from your New Orleans fans!!!!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Ravens Pass …winner of the Classic just a throw out? amazing what little the voters know…
on a world wide basis…Zarkava #1, New Approacj #2 and Ravens Pass # 3 was the only one to race in America…all this is based on age and sex allowances due three year olds…but the were the best!!!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
John G, these are the Eclipse Awards, not the Cartier Awards.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
gosh thanks Barb…for a minute there I thought Ravens Pass didn’t win the Classic and beat the HOY Curlin….and I was just pointing out the world rankings and our seeming lack paying any attention..but I’m sure you thought of that
January 26th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Great job guys; thanks for the laughs!
January 26th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
John G, what I really thought about was that I would not take the bet that Ravens Pass would not have beaten BB in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness or Haskell. Would you? That a year is a…year. Not a day. That BB did not run in the Classic. That Curlin did not run his best in the Classic. That the Classic was run on Pro Ride. And that the Eclipse Award rule makers could eliminate comments like yours if they would simply make it a standard that to qualify for the award - a horse has to run in NA at least twice.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:13 am
GREAT JOB ON THE BLOG!!
Now to my rant: We really need to revamp this process. A trainer like Baffert gets ignored for a nomination despite Indian Blessing and Midnight Lute. Jess Jackson keeps Curlin in training and gets passed up because his one horse didn’t earn enough cash to push his owner to the top for consideration; way to encourage like behavior! Midshipman gets 2yo because Frankel didn’t ask Vineyard Haven for his THIRD GRADE 1 win for the year (Apparently winning 2 grade 1 races doesn’t mean anything anymore, unless it’s got a purple saddle cloth.). Proud Spell is a great filly, but Larry Jones didn’t send her to the Derby - he sent Eight Belles, and she was significantly better than all but one horse that day. The only positive, overall, was that we didn’t give half the awards to horses who ran only one time in this country - at the Breeder’s Cup. I’m really getting sick of a horse winning a championship based on one day of racing, instead of the entire campaign, which is why I’m so pi$$ed that Vineyard Haven lost to Midshipman. At least Curlin won HOY.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Ray has anyone suggested to the organizers that perhaps it would be nice - since the horse is supposed to the center piece of the award and event - that recognizing Eclipse worthy runners who passed away would be a good thing?
The acting award banquets all have their ‘In Memoriam” segments and frankly it seems odd to not have a fairly brief video presentation recognizing those who have passed in the year that was.
Last night’s banquet easily could’ve shown the big G1 winning footage (and hence heavy loss) of two wonderful fillies who left an impact on fans and horsemen alike: Genuine Risk and Winning Colors. Both were Eclipse winners for 3-yr old filly so it makes no sense to not have given just a moment of recognition.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
So Barb and Little Guy
the fact that Conduit raced once in America (and only 3 starts in all) and won is immaterial but that fact that Ravens Pass did does?
btw…the two best horses in the Classic finished 1,2…of that there was not doubt!
January 27th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Little Guy, while I like VH, too - Midshipman did win 2 Gr. 1’s (and placed in another as I recall) just like VH and yes, the BC counts as at least 1.5 to 1 Gr. stakes and every good 2 yr old showed up except VH. Agree about Baffert but Asmussen was going to win it so it didn’t matter.
John, Conduit got the award because we did not have an obvious or good choice among American turf routers. That simple and you know it. IMO, we should not give the award to a horse that races here once, yet since we do, we should only give it in a year where we are weak or with great parity otherwise within the division.
Denying the horse, Curlin,that went to Dubai and decisively beat the best that March had to offer from around the world, came back to his country and won 3 additional prestigious Gr. 1’s , finished 2nd in his Gr. 1 turf debut, and set the all time NA earnings record, only to run a gallant 4th on a synthetic track to a fine turf miler would be great folly. And while the BC may carry greater prestige than your average Gr. 1 stakes, and in many cases is the race with the deepest competition - it is still - one race. Not a year. See Bull, Benny the, and Blessing, Indian.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
To all who commented…thanks so much. It was a blast trying to keep up while using a not-so-user friendly device (Palm Treo) and stubby thumbs. I plan to follow up with some comments about the awards and the voting process, including more engagement of the public. My first priority is trying to figure out to get back into Lexington, which Mother Nature threatens to turn into an ice house today.
Glimmerglass, ,that is a terrific idea. It’s one the most poignant part of the Academy Awards telecast, reminding many of us what made us fall in love with the movies. The same could and should be done with the Eclipse Awards. Horses like Winning Colors, Genuine Risk and others are why some of us got in this game.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:47 am
Glimmerglass and Ray–agreed, great idea to honor the horses who died in the previous year
But what a can of worms, no? How do you honor Winning Colors, and not Eight Belles? And if Eight Belles, what about all of the other horses who have died in training or on the track?
I’m not surprised it’s something that industry shies away from doing–raises way too many unpleasant questions, no?
January 28th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Great point Teresa. How about a moment of silence at the beginning of the Eclipse Awards to honor the horses, owners, trainers, jockeys, exercise ridders and grooms (in other words everyone involved with horseracing) that has passed away in the previous year. That way everyone is honored and the industry can keep it simple and yet pay the respect that is due to each and everyone of them.
Thank you Ray for keeping us updated on the winners during the Awards Presentation. Your Live Blog was AWESOME & lots of fun !! Congratulations to the “Handsome Mighty Curlin”
January 29th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
[...] Brett Favre starts 269 games in a row at QB…and now Ray Paulick liveblogs from the Eclipse Awards without a computer! That’s right, Ray will be entering the pantheon of the unlikely as he attempts to bring you the Paulick Report reader …[Continue Reading] [...]
January 31st, 2009 at 12:59 am
[...] For a different look at the Eclipse Awards, I recommend Ray Paulick’s live blog. [...]