DRF photo among media Eclipse winners

A photo that appeared on drf.com of the key point of the Kentucky Derby in which Maximum Security was disqualified from first place for interference won the Eclipse Award for photography as the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters on Friday announced the winners of the 2019 Media Eclipse Awards in six categories.

Jim Leuenberger, 73, took the photograph at the point when Maximum Security veered into the path of War of Will as a pack of eight horses were passing through the final turn. The image captures War of Will appearing nearly sideways in behind Maximum Security as mud is flying in the background in the crowded field.

It is the first Eclipse Award for Leuenberger.

Joe Nevills also won his first Eclipse Award in the Feature/Commentary Writing for his story: “Biting the Dust: A Long Goodbye to Mount Pleasant Meadows,” a story that tells the demise of a small mixed-breed track in central Michigan through the eyes of trainer Nate Funnell, jockey Lee Gates, track announcer and marketing director Scott Csernyik, as well as Nevills’s own personal recollections of a place where he first learned about and enjoyed racing with his family.

Nevills’s story appeared on the Paulick Report website on July 22.

Bryce Miller of the San Diego Union-Tribune won his first Eclipse Award in the News/Enterprise Writing category for his article “Anniversary of Deadly San Luis Rey Fire Strains Still,” a story of the rebuilding of the Southern California training center destroyed by fires in December 2017 as well as an update on the lives of individuals whose lives were permanently altered by them.

TVG earned its first Eclipse Award for Live Racing Programming for its coverage of the Aug. 17 Pacific Classic at Del Mar. In addition to its pre-race interview package regarding the race, the telecast also told stories how TVG’s on-air talent came into racing through the tutelage and influence of immediate family members and relatives.

Kevin Grigsby was executive producer of the TVG Pacific Classic telecast.

Fox Sports 2 won the Eclipse Award for features for its piece “When Rachel Raised the Rafters,” which marked the 10-year anniversary of the 3-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra beating males in the Grade 1 Woodward at Saratoga.

The feature was produced by Ernie Munick and Maggie Wolfendale.

The Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) won the Eclipse Award in the Audio/Multimedia and Internet category for its coverage of the 36th Breeders’ Cup from Santa Anita on Nov. 1-2 that was broadcast on Sirius Radio. It is the second Eclipse Award for HRRN, which won in the same category for its coverage of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup.

The media Eclipse Awards will be given during the 49th Eclipse Award ceremony to be held on Jan. 23 at Gulfstream Park.