Curlin, Big Brown Run Away With Awards
Curlin, shown on his way to winning the 2008 Dubai World Cup, was named Horse of the Year for the second time in a row.
(Kamran Jebreili - AP)
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Saturday, March 21, 2009; 6:36 PM
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Curlin won in Dubai and Big Brown won at Churchill Downs. Now both have won on Miami Beach.
Dubai World Cup winner Curlin was chosen Horse of the Year for the second year in a row Monday night at the Eclipse Awards. Big Brown, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, was chosen 3-year-old Male of the Year.
The other nominees for Horse of the Year were Big Brown and undefeated Zenyatta, the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic winner. Big Brown bested two other nominees for top 3-year-old male: Santa Anita Derby winner Colonel John and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Raven's Pass.
Curlin was chosen top older male over Commentator and Brazilian-bred Einstein.
"I've always believed he's a true champion," said Curlin's co-owner, Jess Jackson. "He's now one of the greats of the industry. ... This is an honor beyond the dreams of somebody who dreamed that he would someday own a champion race horse when I saw Seabiscuit run in 1938."
Zenyatta was selected top older female over Ginger Punch and Chilean-bred Cocoa Beach.
Proud Spell was selected the top 3-year-old filly over Music Note and sentimental choice Eight Belles, who broke both front ankles moments after finishing second to Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby and was euthanized.
Big Brown's racing career ended in October when he injured his right front foot while working out at Aqueduct. He won seven times in eight career starts, but his bid for the Triple Crown ended with a last-place finish in the Belmont.
"Unfortunately, many will remember Big Brown for the only race he didn't win," said Michael Iavarone of IEAH Stables, co-owners of Big Brown. "But he was a pleasure to be around, and he was the biggest dream any owner could ever have."
Steve Asmussen, who worked with Curlin, was chosen trainer of the year over Big Brown trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. and Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel.
"Thank you, Curlin," Asmussen said. "What a special horse. ... We simply got out of his way."
Jackson was richly rewarded for delaying Curlin's retirement a year. The horse set a North American record with career earnings of $10.5 million before being retired in November at age 4.
