 Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Curalina, a two-time grade I winner this year, has been named the 2015 Aiken-trained horse of the year.
Curlina joins Country Star (2007) and It's Tricky (2011) as the only females honored since the award was inaugurated in 2002.
A 3-year old Curlin filly out of Whatdreamsrmadeof, by Graeme Hall, Curalina won or placed in all seven starts this year and posted victories in the Acorn and Coaching Club American Oaks (both gr. I) among four wins for trainer Todd Pletcher. She was second in the Beldame and third in the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff and Alabama (all gr. I) en route to $990,200 in earnings.
Curlina, bred in Kentucky by CASA Farms I, was broken and trained at the Aiken Training Track by Brad Stauffer.
The Aiken-trained horse of the year award was created to honor local Thoroughbreds who have had an excellent racing season by winning at least one grade I race. Past winners are Congaree (2002), Wando (2003), Limehouse (2005), Bob and John (2006), Country Star (2007), Midshipman (2008), Quality Road (2009 & 2010), It's Tricky (2011), Alpha (2012) and Palace Malice (2013 & 2014).
A ceremony will be held Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 2 p.m. ET at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. Memorabilia from Curalina's 2015 racing season and her career will be on display. The public is invited to attend the ceremony. The Hall of Fame is located at 135 Dupree Place, Aiken, SC 29801 inside historic Hopelands Gardens. |
