Curlin is Eclipse Horse of the Year

MIAMI, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Curlin, the all-time leading North American money-winning thoroughbred, was named 2008 Horse of the Year in Miami Monday night at the 38th Eclipse Awards.

With $10.5 million in winnings, Curlin is in retirement after a career that saw him win four Eclipse Awards -- including two consecutive Horse of the Year honors. Curlin won Horse of the Year Award over Big Brown, who was named Champion Three-year-old, and Zenyatta, who was named Champion Older Female.

At ceremonies in Miami Monday night, Curlin was also voted Champion Older Male.

Curlin won five of seven starts in 2008, including the $6 million Dubai World Cup, the Stephen Foster Handicap and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Curlin's trainer, Steve Asmussen, won his first Eclipse Award as Outstanding Trainer Monday night.

Curlin received 153 votes to 69 for Zenyatta in Horse of the Year voting. Big Brown got 13 votes.

Garrett Gomez was named Jockey of the Year.

The Eclipse Awards are presented by the National Turf Writers Association and Daily Racing Form.