California Chrome crowned the Eclipse Horse of the Year
California Chrome, American racing’s evergreen hero, was again adorned with accolades as he became only the second racehorse in 80 years to be crowned the Eclipse Horse of the Year in non-consecutive years. The Eclipse Awards, American horse racing’s highest honor, delighted a series of high notes for the China Horse Club as its footprint in the United States continues to grow, but none were more significant than the achievement of California Chrome.
In a further reminder of California Chrome’s enduring legacy and the vacuum he will leave in the sport when he retires to Taylor Made Farm after next weekend’s USD12 million Pegasus World Cup, he was also anointed as the Eclipse Older Dirt Male, his fourth Eclipse Award in all.
“It is only fitting that the greatness of California Chrome has again been recognized. His contribution to the sport, not only in the United States but internationally, has been phenomenal. He is certainly deserving of his two Eclipse Awards and it must be remembered that they come at a time when there is some exceptional talent around,” said Eden Harrington, China Horse Club Vice President and Head (Partnership/memberships).
“Overall, the results of the Eclipse Awards for 2016 have been fantastic for our partners and our club. On behalf of the China Horse Club and its members it gives me great pleasure to congratulations Art Sherman and California Chrome’s many owners including Taylor Made Farm on his two Eclipse Awards. Congratulate is also due to WinStar Farm on their success as the Outstanding Breeder. We also pass on congratulations to Juddmonte Farm and Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm on Flintshire being acknowledged as the Eclipse Male Turf winner.”
Flintshire, the Eclipse Male Turf Winner
The China Horse Club was also delighted to see the unanimous acknowledgement of Classic Empire as Eclipse Two Year Old Male, having secured his dam in 2016. Sambuca Classico is set to be covered by Pioneer of the Nile, the same mating that produced Classic Empire.
Art Sherman, the major owner in California Chrome, was full of praise for California Chrome upon receiving the 2016 Eclipse Awards.
It’s really an honour,” Sherman told the Bloodhorse.com.
“People don’t realize how hard that is to be Horse of the Year, and I appreciate it. It gives me a chance to say, ‘Wow.’ I got the Horse of the Year trophy when he won it the last time we were here. It’s a gorgeous trophy. This will be another one in my trophy case. It’s been filled up pretty good by Chrome, I can tell you that.”
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