LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 16, 2019) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association today announced that there will be a record number of sponsors and partners supporting the 48th Annual Eclipse Awards, presented by Daily Racing Form, Breeders’ Cup and The Stronach Group, and produced by NTRA.
The Eclipse Awards dinner and ceremony, honoring Thoroughbred racing’s champions of 2018, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
In addition to its three returning presenting sponsors, the Eclipse Awards is supported by official partners – Keeneland, Florida HBPA, Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Red Brand, Roberts Communications, Racetrack Television Network, The Jockey Club, Dean Dorton, John Deere, TVG, WinStar Farm, EquiLottery Win Place Show, Del Mar, IOA Insurance, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, Hagyard, Hallway Feeds, Clear Span, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, New York Racing Association, LUXAIR Jets, Jackson Family Wines, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Indianos Tequila.
Florida HBPA, Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Dean Dorton, and EquiLottery Win Place Show, and The Jockey Club are new to the Eclipse Awards roster of partners.
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is the official charity of the 48th Eclipse Awards which will be held for the seventh consecutive year in the Sport of Kings Theatre at Gulfstream Park.
“We thank each of our sponsors and partners for their support of this year’s Eclipse Awards,” said NTRA Chief Operating Officer, Keith Chamblin. “There is a tremendous amount of excitement as we countdown the days to the first-ever match-up for the Horse of the Year title between a Triple Crown winner and a Breeders’ Cup Classic Champion.”
Eclipse Awards ticket-holders are encouraged to arrive early for red-carpet entry and the lavish one-hour Keeneland Cocktail Party starting at 5:45 p.m. Following the dinner and the awards ceremony, that will conclude with the highly-anticipated announcement of the 2018 Horse of the Year, an after party will be held in the Sport of Kings Theatre.
In addition to Horse of the Year, the Eclipse Awards will bestow championship honors in 16 equine and human categories. The program also will include presentations of the Eclipse Award of Merit, for a lifetime of outstanding achievement in service to the Thoroughbred industry, to Joe Harper; the Horseplayer of the Year to Chris Littlemore; and the NTRA Moment of the Year, recognizing a singular significant occurrence as determined by fans.
The Eclipse Awards are voted upon by chart callers and racing officials representing the NTRA; members of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters; and staff from Daily Racing Form.
Tickets to The Eclipse Awards ceremony are on sale for $425 each or $4,000 for a table of 10. For reservations, please contact Casey Hamilton of the NTRA at chamilton@ntra.com, or call (859) 422-2627. For more information on The Eclipse Awards, visit ntra.com/eclipse-awards.
The Eclipse Awards are named after the great 18th-century racehorse and foundation sire Eclipse, who began racing at age five and was undefeated in 18 starts, including eight walkovers. Eclipse sired the winners of 344 races, including three Epsom Derbies. The Eclipse Awards are bestowed upon horses and individuals whose outstanding achievements in North America have earned them the title of Champion in their respective categories. Those awards are voted by NTRA, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB). Eclipse Awards also are given to recognize members of the media for outstanding coverage of Thoroughbred racing.
-30-