A series of special events leading up to the 42nd annual Eclipse Awards, presented by Daily Racing Form, The Stronach Group, and Breeders' Cup, will benefit several Thoroughbred industry-related charities, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced Dec. 4. The Eclipse Awards will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
Among the events open to the public during Eclipse Awards week are a golf tournament at The Westin Diplomat Golf Location Jan. 15 that will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund; a slots tournament at Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino Jan. 16 that will benefit The Race for Education and the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation; a celebrity poker tournament at Gulfstream Jan. 17 to benefit the PDJF; and a cocktail party at Gulfstream Jan. 18 that will benefit Gulfstream Thoroughbred Aftercare Program.
The week will be culminated by Saturday night's Eclipse Awards ceremony, which will feature a 'Miami Chic' theme with black-tie attire optional.
"We are delighted to join Gulfstream Park and The Stronach Group, Daily Racing Form and The Breeders' Cup in affiliating with these terrific charities as the Eclipse Awards expands to a weeklong series of festivities leading to the crowning of our human and equine champions for the 2012 racing year," said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA, in a release.
Tickets to the Jan. 19 Eclipse Awards ceremony are available for $375 each or $3,750 for a table of 10. A block of rooms has been reserved at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, located on the ocean and only a short distance from Gulfstream Park. For ticket purchases and room reservations, please contact Michele Ravencraft of the NTRA at mravencraft@ntra.com, or call (859) 422-2657. Order forms for tickets are available at www.NTRA.com.
Eclipse Awards voting is conducted by the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, and Daily Racing Form. The Eclipse Awards ceremony is produced by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.