The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that the Keeneland Association has reached an agreement to serve as an Official Partner of the 42nd annual Eclipse Awards, presented by Daily Racing Form, The Stronach Group and The Breeders’ Cup. The partnership will include special recognition of Keeneland connections to the Eclipse Awards, including graduates of Keeneland’s prestigious auction sales program. The Eclipse Awards will be held Saturday, January 19, at Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

“We are deeply grateful for Keeneland’s support of the Eclipse Awards and its unwavering commitment to the Thoroughbred industry,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA.  “As an Official Partner, Keeneland will receive heightened exposure throughout the Eclipse Awards ceremony on January 19, and also during the weeklong series of events leading up to it at Gulfstream Park.”

For more than 40 years, the Eclipse Awards have crowned our industry’s champions—many of whom have strong connections to Keeneland’s racing and auction sales programs,” said Bill Thomason, Keeneland President and CEO. “To that end, we are honored to be a part of this year’s salute to our sport’s champions.”

Through the years, Keeneland sales graduates have garnered more than 120 Eclipse Awards, including 13 Horse of the Year honors.

Eclipse Awards are bestowed upon horses and individuals whose outstanding achievements have earned them the title of Champion in their respective categories. Eclipse Award voting takes place among designated representatives of the NTRA, DRF and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. Awards also are given to recognize members of the media for outstanding coverage of Thoroughbred racing.

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 presented by Daily Racing Form, The Stronach Group and Breeders’ Cup and produced by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). Official Partners of the Eclipse Awards include Adequan, Besilu Stables, Keeneland, Kendall-Jackson, NOA Watches and Roberts Communications. The official hotel of the Eclipse Awards is the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa.

Tickets to the Eclipse Awards are available for $375 each. Order forms for tickets are available at. http://ntra.kinsta.cloud/en/eclipse-awards/2012-2013-awards/. Hotel Reservations at the Westin Diplomat can be made at https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/eclipseawards. For additional information, please contact Michele Ravencraft of the NTRA at mravencraft@ntra.com.

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading Thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA website, NTRA.com.