Royal Delta Romps to Third Straight Eclipse

Besilu Stables' Royal Delta (Empire Maker) didn't flash the same brillance she did in winning the Eclipse as champion 3-year-old filly in 2011 and when repeating in the distaff category in 2012, but the voters deemed she'd done enough in 2013 to merit a third straight Eclipse Award and second straight as champion older female. Royal Delta's marquee performance in 2013 came in the GI Delaware H., dominating her competition from the front by a whopping 10 3/4 lengths. She also added the GI Personal Ensign H. Champion turf female Dank and Joyful Victory (Tapit) finished behind the champ in the voting.