Seabiscuit wins Hillenbrand an Eclipse

Laura Hillenbrand, the author of the best-selling book "Seabiscuit: An American Legend," won the media Eclipse Award for writing in the feature/enterprise category for an original adaptation of an excerpt of her book that appeared in EQUUS Magazine in May.

The announcement was made Thursday by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. It was Hillenbrand's second Eclipse Award for magazine writing after winning in 1998 for a feature on Seabiscuit, who became an American hero with his rags-to-riches career that took place during the Depression, that appeared in American Heritage.

Hillenbrand, who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome and rarely leaves her home, has been recognized with several awards this year for her book on Seabiscuit, including the Big Sport of Turfdom award and the William Hill Sports Book of the Year in Britain.

Hillenbrand's book topped the New York Times bestseller list for six weeks.

Referring to her debilitating condition and the success of her book, Hillenbrand, after learning of her latest Eclipse Award, said, "My deal with the devil is working out very well. Seriously, this whole year has been overwhelming. This is a wonderful way to top it off."

Hillenbrand and the other Eclipse Award winners from 2001 will be honored at a dinner on Feb. 18 in Hollywood, Fla. at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa.