Eclipse Awards Diaries: Miami Moulin Rouge
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The Eclipse Awards, which annually celebrate and honor the very best in North American horse racing, are this Saturday at Gulfstream Park. The South Florida track is the perfect host for Thoroughbred racing’s year-end honors, and each year Gulfstream puts on a huge party to celebrate the Eclipse Awards in style.
I was a little worried about how the party would go this Friday, however, because an unseasonable squall had settled over Hallandale Beach, Fla. all day, pouring rain until the track was saturated.
While the people at the track were a little put out, Gulfstream’s flamingo population seemed to be loving the weather!
While horses and flamingoes are perfectly happy in the rain, humans attending the Eclipse Awards pre-party are another story; and the soiree was scheduled to be held in Gulfstream Park’s paddock (the outdoor area where horses parade for fans before a race). By mid-afternoon, it still didn’t look like Mother Nature was going to let that happen.
Fortunately, by about 5 p.m. the rain stopped and the sun started to peek from behind clouds, giving the crowd at the track the chance to come outside and enjoy the last few races from the rail.
They were in for a treat, too, when a 3-year-old named Zulu won the 10th race with ease. Watch out for this horse on the Triple Crown trail this spring!
After that race, it was time for me to get ready for the evening’s party, which benefitted retired racehorses and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The theme was “Moulin Rouge,” and I couldn’t wait to see Gulfstream Park’s transformation.
I was right to be excited: the paddock went from parade ring to Pigalle in a matter of hours, and as guests arrived they were transported to the halls of the world’s most famous nightclub.
PRE-PARTY SLIDESHOW
The food was also incredible; in addition to passed hors d'oeuvres, there was a carving station, baked brie, and even a lady whose skirt was a table that was covered in sparkly bon-bons.
But I had to stop and get in on the action at the crêpe station. I cannot resist their siren song, and I’m so glad I didn’t – the crêpe was a decadently delicious combination of banana, strawberry, and Nutella with a bit of whipped cream thrown on for luck, and it was amazing.
The party continued into the night, with friends posing for pictures, sipping cocktails, and enjoying the Eclipse Awards festivities. It was the perfect way to kick off a championship weekend, and I can’t wait to see what Saturday’s award ceremony brings!