Wed Jan 9 13:46:00 2008

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Special Eclipse Award goes to Kentucky Horse Park

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - The 2007 Special Eclipse Award has been awarded to the Kentucky Horse Park for its contribution to thoroughbred racing.

The Special Eclipse Award, presented by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers Association, recognizes outstanding individual achievements in, or contributions to the sport of thoroughbred horse racing.

"We are exhilarated to be honored with the Special Eclipse Award," said John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, which is based in Lexington, Ky. "This is the culmination of enormous efforts by many people over the past three decades who played a central role in the celebration of that special bond between man and the horse."

The Kentucky Horse Park was founded in 1978 as the first national horse park and served as the home for 23 years to two-time Horse of the Year John Henry. The multiple award winning gelding died this year at the age of 32.

"John Henry's indomitable will and spirit symbolized the love and dedication that the Kentucky Horse Park has given to the thoroughbred industry over the years," said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA. "On behalf of the presenting organizations of the Eclipse Awards, we are proud to bestow this most deserving honor to the men and women of the Kentucky Horse Park."

The 2007 Eclipse Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, January 21, 2008 at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.