The speech Perry Martin gave when California Chrome won his first of two Eclipse Awards, Best Older Male Horse, wasn’t much. The one he gave when California Chrome won Horse of the Year was worthy of the hook, or the Gong Show.
He actually made Steve Coburn look good, which in and of itself deserves some type of award. Congratulations Perry Martin, you actually made me miss Steve Coburn with a microphone. This was quite a feat.
I have no idea what he was talking about, but we do know he reads those little sandy packets that come in cheap suits. You will not find those in Brioni, Zegna, Versace, or anything tailored after you choose the fabric. Not letting Art Sherman speak was inexcusable.
Other than that there were no surprises at all as far as the winners of the Eclipse Awards go. The fact Highland Reel got a vote for Horse of the Year somewhat disproves the statement by Steve Crist that the voters are made up of knowledgeable, fair, unbiased people. That vote alone says something about the process. I love and support The Eclipse Awards but some votes defy logic, and that was one of them. I wonder if it is the same person who voted for California Chrome for turf horse a few years back?
Noteworthy was Javier Castellano winning his fourth straight Eclipse Award, Beholder taking her fourth Eclipse Award, and Chad Brown getting his first. Chad’s is likely the first of many. Besides his dominant year, just getting Lady Eli back to the races was award worthy in and of itself. Rick Porter (Songbird) was all class. Perry Martin should have to watch Rick’s speech 10 times and then pass a quiz by the stewards to be allowed to keep his.
