On a Night Where the Best of Racing Was Celebrated, an Emotional Erik Asmussen Captured the Moment

[Wandering Eyes]

In many respects, especially on the racetrack, it was a good year for the sport of horse racing. Controversies weren't the thorny issue they normally are and on the racetrack there were dozens of races that were memorable, some of the best we've seen in some time. That was the theme Thursday night at the 54th Eclipse Awards ceremony. The winners, the losers, and those who were there just to take in the show, made sure this would be a feel-good night about people who loved the sport and their horses.

But perhaps no one captured that theme better than an emotional Erik Asmussen, who was named the 2024 Eclipse Award winning apprentice. Asmussen is from one of the most successful racing families in the history of the sport and his career was given a huge boost by his father, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. But he obviously wasn't taking his Eclipse Award for granted.

“I want to thank God and thank all the owners and all the trainers, the grooms, the hotwalkers, the custodians, everybody who helped me with my dream,” he said, unable to fight back the tears. “I get emotional talking about it. This game means everything to me. Thank you to my family. I have the best group around me. Most importantly, thank you to the horses. They are special to me. This is an honor. Thank you.”

Hosts Britney Eurton and Lindsay Czarniak kept their promise, fast-tracking the ceremony so that it was over by 9:30 p.m. ET when Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) was named Horse of the Year. Along with Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro), Thorpedo Anna became only the second 3-year-old filly to be named Horse of the Year.

“It's been a fantastic ride and she's just getting started,” said her trainer, Kenny McPeek.

In one of the closest Eclipse races, the one for champion trainer, Chad Brown beat McPeek by the margin of 101-88. Brown had a sensational year with 212 wins, $30.9 million in earnings and 47 graded stakes winners. But 88 voters seemed to think that McPeek deserved the award because he won the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Kentucky Derby on back-to-back days and guided Thorpedo Anna to the Horse-of-the-Year title and nearly won the GI Travers Stakes.

In his acceptance speech, Brown admitted that beating out McPeek for the award was no small task. It was his fifth Eclipse Award in the trainer category.

“It was far from certain that I'd be up here tonight,” he said. “That can only mean one thing: I finally beat Ken McPeek in a photo. If you want to trade photos, I will. You give me the Derby and I'll give you this. This is the most prestigious team award in all of horse racing and I am here tonight to accept it on behalf of my team.”

One of only a handful of winners who were permitted to speak for more than one minute, Frank Taylor was also emotional and gracious when it came to accepting his Special Eclipse Award. He was nominated by the TDN's Publisher and CEO Sue Finley. Taylor, along with Stable Recovery CEO Christian Countzler, is the driving force behind Stable Recovery and the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship, two programs that work in tandem to take recovering addicts, give them the ongoing support they need, and find them meaningful employment in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

Taylor got the idea several years ago after learning of a Central Kentucky restaurant that only employed people in recovery. He launched the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship, a 90-day program that helps men to learn the essential tools needed for working on a Thoroughbred farm. Stable Recovery is a program that provides a safe and stable living environment along with a 12-step program for men in early recovery to regain control of their lives. In 3 1/2 years, the programs have assisted more than 100 individuals.

“I am accepting this award on behalf of the men and women at Stable Recovery, who have shown the courage to change their lives and to work so hard to become sober and successful,” he said. “Foremost, I want to thank God for His guidance, blessings and miracles he has bestowed on this program. I send a thank you to my parents for instilling faith in my siblings and I, showing us an example of how to give back and make this a better world.”

When accepting the trophy for 2-year-old male champion Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), co-owner Barbara Banke said the statue was being given to Bob Liewald and Lucy Lawrence, who own a piece of Citizen Bull through the Starlight Partnership. The couple lost their home in the fires that have devastated Southern California.

“We hope that this trophy can go in their new residence and give them something to look forward to,” Banke said.

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