Racing writer Sean Clancy garners Eclipse Award

By: SPORTS NETWORK

 

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Veteran racing writer Sean Clancy has been awarded the 2009 Media Eclipse Award for Writing in the News/Commentary category for his column "Life's Work". The column, which appeared in the January 3, 2009 edition of The Blood-Horse magazine, was about the range of emotions Clancy experienced while attending an estate sale of the late Hall of Fame Trainer Sidney Watters, Jr., in 2008.

"It's a real thrill for anyone in the business to win an Eclipse Award," said Clancy. "It's the pinnacle to win one, whether it's as a jockey or a trainer or for writing. It's always out there, and you're always chasing after it.

"Sidney Watters was an amazing horseman and gentleman, who represented a different era as a sportsman. My mentors, and people I respected like Leo O'Brien and Dickie Small, always talked about him and his legacy. He trained champions on the flat and over jumps, which is pretty special. I feel like I'm always trying to bridge that same gap."

This marks the first Media Eclipse Award for Clancy who lives in Middleburg, VA. The former champion steeplechase jockey is co-publisher of Steeplechase Times and The Saratoga Special.

The 39th Annual Eclipse Awards will be held on Monday, January 18, 2009 at the at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.