The speculation is over. Curlin has defended his crown as Horse of the Year by taking the honor again for 2008. The son of Smart Strike becomes the first horse since Cigar to repeat as Horse of the Year. In the final “race” of his life, he held against the amazing filly Zenyatta to prevail by 84 votes, 153 to 69.
The win, along with top older male honors, marked the 4th Eclipse Award the talented champion has earned, having also won the 2007 Horse of the Year and top 3-year-old male last season. “Team Curlin” didn’t do so bad either, with trainer Steve Asmussen picking up his first Eclipse Award as champion trainer. Perhaps the defining moment of Curlin’s campaign that help seal the deal in his bid to repeat as champion was his impressive performance in the Dubai World Cup, a race in which owner Jess Jackson would mention that he was proud to plant the U.S. flag overseas.
Curlin wins the prestigious Dubai World Cup in March 2008
Other winners included:
- Apprentice Jockey: Pascacio Lopez
- Jockey: Garrettt Gomez
- Trainer: Steve Asmussen
- Breeder: Adena Springs
- Owner: Stronarch Stables
- Steeplechase Horse: Good Night Shirt
- Female Turf: Forever Together
- Male Turf: Conduit
- Female Sprinter: Indian Blessing
- Male Sprinter: Benny the Bull
- 2-Year-Old Filly: Stardom Bound
- 2-Year-Old Male: Midshipman
- 3-Year-Old Filly: Proud Spell
- 3-Year-Old Male: Big Brown
- Older Female: Zenyatta
- Older Male: Curlin
- HORSE OF THE YEAR: CURLIN
Some of the highlights of the evening included the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance being plugged during an acceptance speech by Brad Hennegan of the Hennegan Brothers, who captured the Eclipse Award in television feature for their acclaimed work on “The First Saturday in May.” That’s some serious positive press for our little TBA “band of brothers” (and sisters).
Also of note was the shocking news (to me at least) that IEAH Stables would bring champion sprinter Benny the Bull out of retirement later this summer for another campaign and a chance to defend his newly won crown. This is really good news for racing fans. I’ve been an admirer of Benny the Bull for a while now, and while he was a heavy favorite, his win on Belmont Day in the True North Handicap still gives me chills. We had him singled on a Pick 6 ticket that, while singled later in the day on Big Brown, was dependant upon ‘Benny getting it done in the True North. As the field raced for home it looked like Benny was up against it and might not pull through, perhaps suffering a dreaded “Dubai bounce”, but he willed himself home in the final 100 yards to temporarly save the day. If he’s got any more of that left in the tank, the second half of this year ought to be exciting.
Benny the Bull rallies late to win the True North Handicap on Belmont Day in June 2008
All in all, while I respect the awards themselvees, the awards show is something I dare say is in need of a wholesale makeover. Don’t get me wrong, there were probably some of the more memorable acceptance speeches I’ve seen this year, including one innocent and easily taken out of context comment by Jess Jackson perhaps suggesting that Assistant Trainer Scott Blasi may have “slept with” Curlin. That one in particular got a chuckle out of me. For the most part, however, the feeling watching at home on television was sort of bland. Although I’ve got to give a big shout out to TVG analyst Simon Bray for sporting the “Vince from ShamWow” headset microphone. 
I just wish they’d jazz these awards shows up a bit and make them a bit more appealing to a new generation of fans. I’ not suggesting I’d like to see the Jonas Brothers there or anything like that, but it wouldn’t hurt to spruce things up a bit is all I’m saying.
Enough on that though, for now let us take a moment to congratulate everyone connected with the amazing race horse Curlin. He’s the type of runner that already people have begun speaking of in that fashion reserved for the greats that typically begins “the first time I saw him…” Once someone receives the kind of praise where people are marking their life’s progress by where they were and what they were doing the moment he achieved some of his greatest glory, you know he’s firmly etched in their hearts and minds.
At the end of the evening Jackson joked that Curlin, while seemingly a bit depressed at not being able to race anymore, would soon find out what his future held, and would likely be very pleased. I think that’s a good metaphor for where many of us as fans are. We’re depressed as well that he won’t be back, though we certainly understand what a special opportunity it was for his connections to have brought him back as a 4-year-old in 2008. For that we are eternally grateful. And like Curlin, perhaps if we could see into the future and what prospects it might hold, we would be qutie pleased as well. Who knows, 3 years from now we might be getting ready to start buzzing about the first of his offspring to hint at their father’s ability and potential.
Mad props to you, Curlin. May we be so lucky to have another like you soon.
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