Who is voting on the Eclipse Awards?
Results from Monday nights Eclipse Awards ceremony were largely anti-climatic. IEAH Stable’s loss to Stronach Stables for Outstanding Owner raised some eyebrows, but was really the only surprise, at least until the NTRA released the official vote tallies.
After a review of the various categories, and the number of first place votes candidates received, I wonder if we should we start putting Eclipse voters through credibility tests?
How, in any sort of sensible fashion, can someone vote for Albertus Maximus over Curlin, Commentator or even Go Between in the Older Male category? How does Ginger Punch, a wonderful horse in her own rite, earn two first place votes over Zenyatta? Tale of Ekati was actually ranked above Big Brown on someones ballot – was it a typo? Sky Diva over Stardom Bound?
Not to knock Albertus Maximus, Ginger Punch, Tale of Ekati or Sky Diva, but is this like the conclave where the first vote by the Cardinals is usually saved for close friends and sentimental choices?
In the end, however, the worthy horses were selected. Curlin was properly recognized at Horse of the Year, Big Brown as 3-year-old male and Proud Spell as 3-year-old filly etc.
But for next year, I propose the first question on the ballot reads, “Did you watch a horse race this year?” or “Who won the Kentucky Derby?”
I think both would serve as appropriate prerequisites for the ballot even being counted.
What do you think?