Eclipse goes to foal loss article

Janet Patton, a business reporter for The Lexington Herald-Leader, will receive the 2001 Eclipse Award for news or commentary writing, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced Monday.

Patton's winning article, published on May 27, described the search for the cause of reproductive mare loss syndrome, which struck the central Kentucky breeding industry this spring. The article focused on the role believed to be played by the Eastern tent caterpillar, which may have secreted cyanide onto pastureland, scientists say.

Patton will receive her award at the Eclipse Awards dinner on Feb. 18 in Hollywood, Fla. The awards are presented by the NTRA, National Turf Writers Association, and Daily Racing Form.