50th Annual Eclipse Awards Go Virtual, Spendthrift Hosts

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters will convene the 50th annual Eclipse Awards in a virtual ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, with portions hosted from historic Spendthrift Farm in Lexington.

Winners in 17 human and equine categories will be streamed live on multiple outlets, including TVG and Racetrack Television Network, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Finalists will be announced 12 days earlier.

“Aligning the 50th Eclipse Awards with a historic property like Spendthrift Farm serving as the backdrop for the broadcast is a natural,” said Keith Chamblin, NTRA Chief Operating Officer. “Earlier this summer when it became clear that the 2020 Eclipse Awards ceremony would need to be a virtual event, we began discussions with Spendthrift about hosting portions of the event. Not only is Spendthrift one of the leading stallion farms in the world, steeped in a great tradition of champions, under the leadership of B. Wayne Hughes it has led the way in introducing innovations to the industry like Safe Bet, Share the Upside and MyRaceHorse.com.”

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. Eclipse Awards are voted on by representatives of the NTRA, Daily Racing Form, and NTWAB.

In addition to Spendthrift Farm, Eclipse Awards sponsors include Keeneland, Roberts Communications, Four Roses Bourbon, Daily Racing Form, Breeders’ Cup, FanDuel, The Stronach Group, TVG, Dean Dorton, Jackson Family Wines, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, and Hallway Feeds

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