Bowen To Be Honored With Posthumous Eclipse Award Of Merit

[Wandering Eyes]

Edited Press Release

The late Edward L. Bowen, who distinguished himself as a journalist, author, historian and leader in the industry, will be honored with the Eclipse Award of Merit in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding achievement, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) said in a press release on Tuesday.

Bowen's contributions will be celebrated at the 55th Annual Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards at the Breakers Palm Beach in Florida Jan. 22.

Devoting more than 60 years to chronicling the many facets, personalities and rich history of Thoroughbred racing and breeding, Bowen, who passed away in January 2025 at 82, was editor-in-chief of The BloodHorse, authored more than 20 books, and later was president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and served for 35 years on the nominating committee for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He also was intricately involved in the Eclipse Awards from its inception in 1971, writing the opening remarks to each ceremony and writing scripts for all finalists videos.

“Ed's accomplishments in our sport are readily known,” said The Jockey Club President and COO James L. Gagliano. “Simply put, as a Thoroughbred breeding and racing journalist, Ed was peerless. And while he was perhaps the sport's greatest historian, his contributions to the health and welfare of the breed through his many years at Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation were a capstone of a great and dynamic career.”

Bowen was born in Welch, West Virginia, in 1942, and grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 1963, he got a job at BloodHorse and by 1987 became editor-in-chief. He worked at the publication until 1993.

In 1994, Bowen made a career shift, when he was named president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. During his 24 years at Grayson, Bowen helped propel the organization to remarkable success, which included raising $22 million for research projects for the equine species.

In addition to Grayson, Bowen's impact on the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was also significant. He was a museum trustee and served as chair of the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. He also chaired the Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor Selection Committee, and also served previously on the Pillars of the Turf. Bowen was selected for induction into the Hall of Fame as both a member of the Media Roll of Honor and a Pillar of the Turf in 2025.

He also received many awards for his writing, including an Eclipse Award for magazine writing in 1992.

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