Baffert & two trainees finalists for Eclipse Awards

Bob Baffert enjoyed a memorable 2009.



It was the year that recognized his long and illustrious career in training racehorses with his induction into the Hall of Fame at Saratoga. But 2009 was also a tremendous individual year for Baffert, who again had a leading Triple Crown contender, another juvenile destined to be the winter-book favorite for the Kentucky Derby, brilliant sprinters in both divisions, etc. – all of which helped him nab 10 Grade 1 wins along with numerous other big victories.



For Baffert, those results almost sound like a typical year from his great run in the 90s and 2000s. But in the national picture, it was a stellar campaign that is being recognized as one of the finest in the sport. Baffert was recently announced as one of three trainers who are finalists for 2009 Eclipse Leading Trainer honors, which awards the best trainer of the year in the United States as voted on by various media and racing authorities. He also trains two top runners that are finalists in different categories. The 39th annual Eclipse Awards ceremony will be held Jan. 18 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., where the winners will be announced.



Baffert trainees up for an Eclipse Award include Lookin at Lucky (Two-Year-Old Male) and Zensational (Male Sprinter). Baffert has won three Eclipses, taking home Outstanding Trainer honors three years in a row from 1997-99. He has conditioned the following Eclipse winners:



Silver Charm (3-Year-Old Male of 1997)

Real Quiet (3-Year-Old Male of 1998)

Silverbulletday (2-Year-Old Filly of 1998; 3-Year-Old Filly of 1999)

Chilukki (2-Year-Old Filly of 1999)

Point Given (Horse of the Year of 2001; 3-Year-Old Male of 2001)

Vindication (2-Year-Old Male of 2002)

War Emblem (3-Year-Old Male of 2002)

Indian Blessing (2-Year-Old Filly of 2007)

Midnight Lute (Sprinter of 2007; Sprinter of 2008)