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Contact: Eric Wing (914) 481-8390
Voting is underway at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Web site, www.ntra.com, for the tenth annual "NTRA Moment of the Year." Voters can choose from among 12 images, drawn from the year's events. Those selecting the winning image automatically will be entered in a random drawing for a Toshiba flat-screen TV, courtesy of NTRA Advantage. The winning moment will be recognized at the January 26, 2009, Eclipse Awards ceremony in Miami.
The Moments were selected to illustrate a wide range of human emotions and achievements as well as outstanding displays of equine athleticism. Listed chronologically, the images and events that fans can choose from are:
Pyro charges past all 10 of his foes in the stretch to take the Risen Star Stakes at Fair GroundsReigning Horse of the Year Curlin dominates the Dubai World CupBig Brown powers home from post 20 to take the Kentucky DerbyExhilaration turns to heartbreak as Eight Belles suffers a fatal injury following the Kentucky DerbyBig Brown spurts away from his opponents in the Preakness StakesTriple Crown hopeful Big Brown is eased as Da' Tara wins the Belmont StakesRed Rocks spoils Curlin's grass debut in Belmont's Man o' War Stakes Curlin wins the Jockey Club Gold Cup to become North America's first $10 million earner Peppers Pride stays perfect and sets a modern North American record with her 17th straight victory Zenyatta caps her undefeated season with a resounding, last-to-first win in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic Goldikova unleashes a powerful stretch burst to defeat defending champ Kip Deville in the Breeders' Cup Mile Raven's Pass culminates a big day for the Europeans, defeating Henrythenavigator and Curlin in the Breeders' Cup Classic
The first-ever “NTRA Moment of the Year” was the touching scene involving Charismatic and jockey Chris Antley following the 1999 Belmont Stakes. The following year’s winner was the stretch run of the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Classic, which saw Tiznow hold on for a dramatic victory against Giant’s Causeway. Tiznow won again the following year as fans selected his stirring repeat victory in the Classic over Sakhee. In 2002, fans cited the passing of the last living Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew. In 2003, the popular Kentucky Derby win by Funny Cide was selected. Birdstone’s upset win in the Belmont Stakes over Smarty Jones took down top honors for 2004. In 2005, fans selected Afleet Alex’s spectacular victory in the 2005 Preakness Stakes. Voters in 2006 chose Barbaro’s gallant struggle to recover from his Preakness injury while at the New Bolton Center. Last year’s Moment of the Year was Rags to Riches’ historic victory over Curlin in the Belmont Stakes.
"The NTRA Moment of the Year gives fans a voice and sense of ownership at the Eclipse Awards," said Keith Chamblin, NTRA senior vice president of communications and industry relations. "It allows them to salute the people, horses and memories that make our sport so appealing. We look forward to seeing which Moment they select as this year’s winner."
Fans 18 years and older can register to vote online at www.ntra.com. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday, January 12, 2008. Void where prohibited. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. A complete set of rules is available at www.ntra.com.
The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.
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