Columnist Ralph Siraco: Horse racing honors its own at Eclipse Awards

Ralph Siraco

Monday, Jan. 27, 2003 | 9:32 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's horse racing column appears Monday and his Southern California selections run Tuesday-Sunday.

And, the envelope please ...

Tonight the hardware for the best of 2002 will be handed out at the 32nd Annual Eclipse Awards, as the Sport of Kings honors its own at a black-tie affair in Southern California.

The industry's Oscars will be presented for all divisions in racing, both equine and human. The outstanding performances and accomplishments that marked the best in racing last year will be recognized during ceremonies at the swanky Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Tonight's winners carried the majority of ballots from a trio of voting blocs comprising members of the Daily Racing Form, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the National Turf Writers Association.

As a member of the National Turf Writers Association, I will now confess to my choices, along with John Avello's posted odds on the Eclipse Awards. The Director of Race and Sports Operations for Bally's/Paris Las Vegas supplied the hypothetical betting line for entertainment purposes only.

All three human categories for best jockey, trainer and apprentice jockey were strictly based on earnings. While each is a talented horseman, each also proved it when the money was down.

I also voted Juddmonte Farms as top breeder of the year and Flat Top as best steeplechase horse.

Of course, my favorite choice has no category. It's for the never wavering and always champions of the game -- the race fans and players. They vote each and ever day at the windows.

May the horse be with you.