Foaling story wins Media Eclipse Award

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The Daily Racing Form's Glenye Cain Oakford has been voted the 2012 Media Eclipse Award in the Audio/Multi-Media Internet category for "Zenyatta: Wait for First Foal Combines Science, Art and Anticipation." The story appeared on drf.com on February 28.

"I'm thrilled. It's tremendously energizing and heartening to earn this recognition from one's colleagues, and I will treasure it," said Oakford, who is senior bloodstock correspondent for Daily Racing Form. "But what makes this most special to me is that the Eclipse Award is also the racehorses' championship. To be placed in their company is very humbling and an honor indeed."

Oakford developed a multi-media project to document the birth of the first foal of 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta. It brought to light the people involved in thoroughbred foaling which often happens late at night.

"Night-watching during foaling season might look like someone just sitting around in a barn all night, but in fact it's a season-long test of endurance that is fraught with tension and worry," said Oakford. "Still, it's also about sweet anticipation, and the reward is so obvious when a mare delivers her foal safely. The public doesn't often get to see that drama, and I hoped through the video and story they could. I'm very grateful to Eduardo and night- watchman Troy Saylor for telling that story so eloquently and in such touching, honest, personal terms."

Oakford filmed, produced and narrated the work of Eduardo Terrazas and his night-watchman Saylor at Terrazas Thoroughbreds in assisting in the birth of a new foal.

The Eclipse Awards are voted upon by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers And Broadcasters. The 42nd annual Eclipse Awards will be presented on Saturday, January 19 at Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla.