California Chrome Tops Eclipse Award Finalists with Ocala-Trained Nyquist in Consideration for 3-Year-Old Category
It is hard to deny the pure talent of California Chrome, who continues to show his longevity in horse racing by dominating the sport 2 years after his impressive show in the 2014 Triple Crown.
While most racehorses head to an early retirement after the Triple Crown, California Chrome has yet to see the end of his winning record on the track.
“California Chrome, Horse of the Year in 2014 after a season that saw him win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby, is the favorite to win again in 2016. The popular California-bred won the $10 million Dubai World Cup, Grade 1 TVG Pacific Classic and Grade 1 Awesome Again before a close second to Arrogate in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. California Chrome is also a finalist for champion older dirt male, with Frosted and Lord Nelson, and is a heavy favorite in that category.” (Source This Is Horse Racing)
The richest horse in US/North American horse racing, California Chrome is repeatedly proving the resilience of the Thoroughbred breed by smashing track records and gaining accolades wherever he runs. Every indication points towards Chrome taking the 2016 Horse of the Year Eclipse Award. With his retirement planned for later this year, the award would be a well- deserved culmination of a brilliant career.
Prepare for goosebumps while watching California Chrome win his most recent race at Los Alamitos on December 17th, 2016!
Arrogate did succeed in sneaking past California Chrome at this year’s Breeders Cup, the only Grade 1 race in 2016 that the copper penny chestnut did not win. It has been a remarkable career for a horse who clearly could have retired to stud after his 2014 season.
For his grand finale, Chrome will face off against Arrogate one last time in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup on January 28th at Gulfstream.
Ocala-Based Racing Fans Hold Nyquist in Glory Status
Nyquist is also up for another Eclipse award this year. This year’s Kentucky Derby winner, who ran undefeated in all his races up through his victory at the Derby, began his initial training right here in Marion County at Niall Brennan Stables.
Niall runs a hugely successful training facility in Marion County, which is home to a large number of Breeder’s Cup and Triple Crown contenders. In addition to Nyquist’s big win at the Derby, Niall Brennan Stables is also responsible for starting Gun Runner, who placed 3rd this year in the Derby. Over the past decade, Niall has started and trained over 75 Graded Stakes winners including Ironicus, Orb, Palace Malice, Dayatthespa, Point of Entry, Imagining, Competitive Edge, and Kobe’s Back.
Although Nyquist had his Triple Crown hopes dashed by Exaggerator at the Preakness, he is still up for the 3-Year-Old Eclipse Award this year. Ocala fans are pulling for their local favorite!
For a full list of the 2016 Eclipse Award nominees, please visit the National Thoroughbred Racing Association website!
