Fri Dec 21 13:21:14 2007

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Awards ceremony to be hosted by Kenny Rice

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - Veteran sports broadcaster Kenny Rice has been chosen to host the 37th annual Eclipse Awards on Monday, January 21. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) made the announcement Friday.

"It's a wonderful honor and an exciting challenge to host the 'Oscars' of Thoroughbred Racing," said Rice, who resides in Lexington, KY. "If you consider the large number of sports awards, there are very few that follow you for the rest of your life. If you win an Eclipse Award you're forever identified as having reached the pinnacle of Thoroughbred racing."

Rice has worked for NBC on its thoroughbred horse racing coverage beginning in 1999 and for ESPN from 1980 to 1999. He won a Media Eclipse Award for outstanding local TV coverage of Thoroughbred racing when he was sports director at WTVQ-TV in Lexington.

"Kenny is a pro's pro, and we are delighted that he will host our industry's most star-studded night," said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA.

The Eclipse Awards Dinner will take place at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

The Eclipse Awards are presented by the NTRA, National Turf Writers Association and Daily Racing Form. The awards honor 17 horses and individuals whose outstanding achievements in 2007 have earned them the title of Champion in their respective categories.

Actor Jerry O'Connell hosted the Eclipse Awards the last three years and Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens was the host in 2004.