Zenyatta, undefeated in 19 consecutive races, was named 2010 Horse of the Year on Monday night, during the 40th annual Eclipse Awards ceremony.
It was a title many thought she deserved in 2009, after she won the Breeders’ Cup Classic. She lost the 2010 Classic in a gallant effort against winner Blame. It was the final race and only loss of her remarkable 20-race career.
Zenyatta and Blame were overwhelming winners in their respective divisions – Zenyatta, as champion older female, for the third consecutive year, and Blame, as champion older male.
Lookin At Lucky, champion 2-year-old male in 2009 and winner of the Preakness Stakes in 2010, was voted champion 3-year-old male and became the first horse to win both titles since Spectacular Bid, in 1978 and 1979.
Todd Pletcher, trainer of 2010 champion 2-year-old male Uncle Mo, received his fifth Eclipse Award as champion trainer. In 2010, Pletcher led the nation in purse earnings, scored three Breeders’ Cup victories, and won his first Kentucky Derby.
Other 2010 Eclipse Award winners include: Goldikova, champion female turf horse; Gio Ponti, champion male turf horse; Awesome Feather, champion 2-year-old filly; Blind Luck, champion 3-year-old filly; Big Drama, champion male sprinter; Dubai Majesty, champion female sprinter; Slip Away, champion steeplechase horse; WinStar Farm, champion owner; Adena Springs, champion breeder (for the eighth time); Ramon Dominguez, champion rider; and Omar Moreno, champion apprentice jockey.