J.B. Faulconer, 'Father of the Eclipse Awards,' Dies

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J.B. Faulconer, the fist full-time publicity director at Keeneland who is credited with starting the Eclipse Awards, died Tuesday in Vero Beach, Fla., at age 81. In addition to naming and organizing the Eclipse Awards in 1971, Faulconer was executive vice president of Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America from 1976-1988 and was an assistant to Oaklawn Park chairman Charles Cella.

Faulconer was also author of "The Names They Give Them," which details the origins of more than 1,000 Thoroughbreds. He was a past president of the Thoroughbred Club of America and was a radio announcer for University of Kentucky basketball and football.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Faulconer at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Ky. at 11:00 a.m., Dec. 16.

(Obit, Lexington Herald-Leader)

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