Voting is now underway for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s
(NTRA) 11th annual “Moment of the Year.” Voters may choose from among 14 images, drawn from the year’s events. Those selecting the
winning image will automatically be entered in a random drawing for a trip for
two to the January 18 Eclipse Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California,
where the winning Moment will be recognized. The prize includes airfare, hotel
accommodations and tickets to the Eclipse Awards.
The Moments were selected to illustrate a wide range of human emotions and
achievements as well as outstanding displays of equine athleticism. Listed
chronologically, the images and events that fans can choose from are:
| * | Well Armed blows away the
field in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) |
|
| * | I Want Revenge overcomes a horrific start to capture
the Wood Memorial (G1) |
|
| * | Rachel Alexandra runs off with
the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by more than 20 lengths |
|
| * | Mine That Bird posts stunning,
50-1 upset in the Kentucky Derby (G1) |
|
| * | Rachel Alexandra turns back
the late charge of Mine That Bird in the Preakness (G1) |
|
| * | Presious Passion fires out to
a 20-length lead en route to course record win in United Nations (G1) |
|
| * | Rachel Alexandra toys with the
boys in the Haskell Invitational (G1) |
|
| * | Gio Ponti captures his fourth
consecutive Grade 1 score in the Arlington Million |
|
| * | Rachel Alexandra holds off her
male elders in the Woodward S. (G1) |
|
| * | Linda Rice becomes the first
woman to win the Saratoga training title |
|
| * | Summer Bird registers historic
triumph in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) |
|
| * | Goldikova wins her second
straight Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) |
|
| * | Conduit runs down the stubborn Presious Passion for a repeat score in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) | |
| * | Zenyatta remains undefeated
and becomes first female to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) |
The first-ever “NTRA Moment of the Year” was the touching scene involving
Charismatic and jockey Chris Antley following the 1999 Belmont S. (G1). The
following year’s winner was the stretch run of the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Classic,
which saw Tiznow hold on for a dramatic victory against Giant’s Causeway. Tiznow
won again the following year as fans selected his stirring repeat victory in the
Classic over Sakhee.
In 2002, fans cited the passing of the last living Triple
Crown winner, Seattle Slew. In 2003, the popular Kentucky Derby win by Funny
Cide was selected. Birdstone’s upset win in the Belmont S. over Smarty Jones
took down top honors for 2004. In 2005, fans selected Afleet Alex’s spectacular
victory in the 2005 Preakness. Voters in 2006 chose Barbaro’s gallant struggle
to recover from his Preakness injury while at the New Bolton Center. The 2007
Moment of the Year was Rags to Riches’ historic victory over Curlin in the
Belmont. Last year, it was Zenyatta’s win in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic
(G1).
“The NTRA Moment of the Year gives fans a voice and sense of ownership at the
Eclipse Awards,” said Keith Chamblin, NTRA senior vice president of
communications and industry relations. “It allows them to salute the people,
horses and memories that make our sport so appealing. We look forward to seeing
which one of the many outstanding moments from 2009 they select as this year’s
winner.”
Fans 18 years and older can register to vote online at www.ntra.com. Entries
must be received by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on January 2, 2010. A complete
set of rules is available at www.ntra.com.