A Historic Year in More Ways than One
The Thoroughbred industry has long been in need of a hero, for a horse that transcends the sport. In 2015, we were treated to a spoil of riches.
Many would presume I am referring to Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old American Pharoah, the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. I am a huge fan of American Pharoah and all that he has meant to the industry, but let's not forget about Beholder. Somewhat overshadowed in the spotlight by American Pharoah, Beholder enjoyed yet another sensational campaign of her own in 2015, culminating with a third Eclipse Award trophy.
The Spendthrift Farm colorbearer was a perfect five-for-five on the year, capturing three Grade 1 races for trainer Richard Mandella and jockey Gary Stevens. She dusted nine accomplished male rivals with a breathtaking performance in the 1 1/4-mile GI Pacific Classic, effortlessly striding home 8 1/4 lengths the best to become the first female winner of the $1-million event. The winning margin in her first try at the distance was the second-largest margin of victory in Pacific Classic history. She also waltzed home a seven-length winner of the GI Clement Hirsch S. at Del Mar and won the GI Zenyatta S. at Santa Anita in hand by 3 1/4 lengths.
When she was crowned Eclipse Champion Older Dirt Female Saturday night (receiving 256 of the 261 votes), Beholder became the first female in history to win an Eclipse Award at ages two, three and as an older mare, an elusive feat that sets her apart from some of the greatest race mares that have ever lived. Not even the brilliant Ruffian, Go For Wand, Silverbulletday, Open Mind, Azeri and most recently Royal Delta, Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra sustained championship form for that duration of time, beginning as a 2-year-old. In fact, the last horse to win Eclipse Awards in the three different divisions was Hall of Famer Spectacular Bid, a champion at two in 1978, champion 3-year-old of 1979 and champion older horse and Horse of the Year at four in 1980.
Beholder has already showcased just how truly special she is with stirring displays of athleticism on the racetrack. The nine-time Grade I winner is set for a return to the races this season as she attempts to add to her storied legacy with a 2016 campaign. If the past is any indication and her early-season performances live up to expectations, Beholder may get the opportunity to defend her Pacific Classic crown and possibly make a run at another Breeders' Cup victory at year's end.
While we can only imagine what the future holds, and we can't wait to find out, one thing is certain: Beholder's legion of adoring fans should behold this supremely talented racehorse as she puts a bow on what has been a spectacular racing career, one that squarely places her in the conversation of racing's all-time great race mares.
-Jon Siegel
Jon Siegel runs the Lexington-based PM Advertising agency. His clients include, among others, Spendthrift Farm, owner of Beholder.
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