'Thoroughbred' named Horse of the Year for third consecutive year

For the third consecutive year, the Thoroughbred racehorse has been selected as Horse of the Year by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA).

This prestigious title is awarded annually to the top horse in North American racing, as voted on by a panel of experts in the industry. The Thoroughbred was also honoured with this award in 2016 and 2017.

The three-year-old colt Justify, who is owned by WinStar Farm and trained by Bob Baffert, was a clear favourite to take home the title this year. Justify successfully completed a sweep of all three races in Triple Crown history – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes – making him only the 13th horse in history to do so.

Justify's impressive racing record also includes six other wins from seven starts, including two Grade 1 events. In addition to being named Horse of the Year, he was also awarded Champion 3-Year-Old Male and Eclipse Award Winner for Outstanding 3-Year-Old Male Athlete.

"It's always an honour to be recognised by such a distinguished panel of experts as Horse of the Year, but it's particularly gratifying when it's for a record third time in a row," said Elliott Walden, President and CEO of WinStar Farm. "Justify is a once-in-a-generation racehorse and we are so proud to have him as part of our stable."

The Thoroughbred has proven himself to be an exceptional breed time and time again, with some horses going on to achieve even greater success after winning this prestigious award. For example, in 2009 Rachel Alexandra became the first filly in more than a century to be named Horse of the Year.

Triple Crown winner Nyquist to retire

Nyquist, the horse who won the 2016 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, has announced his retirement.

"After careful consideration with my team, I have made the difficult decision to retire from racing," Nyquist said in a statement. "I am proud of all that we accomplished together – from my Kentucky Derby victory to my runner-up finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic."

The eight-year-old Nyquist retires with an impressive record of 14 wins and 2 places from 18 starts, earning over $5 million in prize money.

"As much as I would love to run again, I know that it's time for me to hang up my bridle," Nyquist said. "I couldn't be happier with how things ended for me and I'm so grateful for the fans who have supported me along the way."

Eclipse Awards: Gun Runner leads thoroughbreds with seven wins

The Eclipse Awards are the most prestigious honors in United States horseracing. They are named for the Eclipse, a racehorse who won 18 out of 19 races in 1808.

This year's Eclipse Award winners were honored at a ceremony on January 21, 2018. Gun Runner was the big winner, taking home seven awards including Horse of the Year.

Other top winners included champion 2-year-old filly Champagne Room and 3-year-old colt West Coast, who each won three awards. In addition, Javier Castellano was named Champion Jockey, Chad Brown was named Champion Trainer, and Mike Smith was named Champion rider.

Here is the full list of 2018 Eclipse Award winners:

Horse of the Year: Gun Runner

Male Sprinter: Good Magic Female Sprinter: Lady Aurelia Male Turf Horse: Enable Female Turf Horse: Hyblaean Steeplechase Horse: Tiger Roll Owner: Godolphin Racing LLC
Jockey: Javier Castellano Trainer: Chad Brown Assistant Trainer: Antonio Sano

Dubai World Cup: thoroughbred Arrogate beats California Chrome

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Arrogate gave trainer Bob Baffert his third consecutive Dubai World Cup victory on Saturday, coming from well back to beat California Chrome by a nose.

It was an amazing comeback for the 4-year-old colt, who had not raced since finishing second in the Breeders' Cup Classic last November.

"He just ran a great race," said Mike Smith, who rode Arrogate. "I can't believe it. I'm over the moon."

The $10 million Dubai World Cup is the world's richest horse race.

Baffert also trained American Pharoah to win the 2015 Triple Crown and last year's Dubai World Cup.

Oregon's Scotty Nguyen clinches first Thoroughbred Tour win

Oregon's Scotty Nguyen secured his first win on the Thoroughbred Tour with a victory at the season-ending Ping Identity Championship.

Nguyen, who started the final round two strokes off the lead, carded a 1-under 71 to finish at 10-under 278 and claim the title by three strokes.

"I'm really happy," Nguyen said. "It was a long day and it feels great to finish with a victory."

A four-time winner on the PGA Tour, Nguyen entered the final round of the $1 million event in second place after rounds of 68-68-72. He got off to a hot start on Sunday, making birdie on the first hole to pull within one of leader Harold Varner III.

However, Nguyen gave back that shot on the next hole and then bogeyed No. 4 to fall two back. He would stay within striking distance, however, thanks to five consecutive pars from Nos. 5-9.

With Varner faltering down the stretch – he made bogey on four of his last six holes – Nguyen made his move, picking up birdies on Nos. 13 and 15 to get within one. He then safely parred No. 18 to clinch the win.

"I didn't play my best golf today but I was able to make some putts when I needed to," Nguyen said. "I hit some really good shots down the stretch and that's what you need to do in these tournaments."