The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced Wednesday that KSPN/ESPN Radio 710 in Los Angeles and WBAL Radio in Baltimore have tied for the Media Eclipse Award for Audio/Multi-Media Internet coverage of Thoroughbred racing.
The KSPN ESPN Radio 710 entry titled, "56th Birthday Tribute to Laffit Pincay Jr.", was co-produced by Kip Hannan and Vic Stauffer, and aired on Dec. 29, 2002. It was a career retrospective of Thoroughbred racing's all-time winningest jockey, and included testimonials from celebrities and sports luminaries.
"What a fantastic thrill," said Stauffer, who also wrote and narrated the entry. "It is especially great because we're being honored for two things that I love: our great game and Laffit Pincay Jr." This is the first Media Eclipse Award for KSPN, and the second for Stauffer, who won in 1995 for KKAR radio.
The WBAL entry, titled "Pimlico's Homestretch?" focused on the pressing issues confronting Baltimore's historic racetrack and Maryland racing. It aired on May 17, 2003, during the station's live Preakness pre-race coverage. This is the sixth Media Eclipse Award for WBAL, which previously won in 1978, 1981, 1984, 1997, and 2001.
"The Eclipse is one of the most important awards that we can win," producer Mark Miller said, who also acknowledged the contributions of Technical Producer Mike Wellbrock and reporters John Eisenberg, Chick Lang, and John Patti. "While Thoroughbred racing may receive spot coverage around the country, for us, it's a year-round endeavor and commitment to the sport."
Honorable mention in the Audio category went to KSPN/ESPN Radio 710 for a piece produced by Mike Willman and featuring an interview with Richard Mandella. The piece aired on the "Thoroughbred Racing Los Angeles" radio show on November 2, 2003.
The 2003 Eclipse Awards will be held Jan. 26, at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Fla.