Richard and Karen Papiese’s Midwest Thoroughbreds ranked at the top of the North American owners’ list in both earnings and wins in 2011, and the multi-state operation stepped up the pace in 2012, finishing a runaway leader in wins and earnings in North America, and breaking a decades-old single-season win mark.

[bc_video_id:282066:]As a part of the Eclipse Awards festivities, and to salute horseplayers throughout North America, the Eclipses will honor Michael Beychok, who won the $1 million first-place prize and title of 2012 Daily Racing Form/National Thoroughbred Racing Association Handicapper of the Year by a single dollar at the 13th annual DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship last January at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

photo by: Tom Keyser

Brilliance in turf miles made Tapitsfly a finalist for the Eclipse Award as outstanding turf female of 2012.

photo by: Benoit & Associates

From Kentucky to Canada to California, Marketing Mix won at major racetracks throughout North America in 2012.

photo by: Barbara D. Livingston

As winner of the 2011 Preakness, there was little that a blaze-faced colt named Shackleford had to do afterward to please his connections.

photo by: Tom Keyser

Sustained excellence in a niche category carried Mizdirection from anonymity to the top of the sport, thanks to an affinity for the Santa Anita hillside turf course that ultimately made her a finalist for outstanding female sprinter of 2012.

photo by: Benoit & Associates

For a fleeting moment in 2012, the filly and mare world seemed to belong to Include Me Out.

photo by: Barbara D. Livingston

There were moments during 2012 when a filly named Contested seemed untouchable.

photo by: Barbara D. Livingston

Darley Stud, owned by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum, led all breeders in American graded stakes wins last year. Nine Darley-breds won 15 graded races during the season.

photo by: Barbara D. Livingston

If not for a nose defeat in her final start of the year, the Grade 1 Cigar Mile in late November, Groupie Doll might well have been a candidate for Horse of the Year. Yes, her 2012 was that good.