BloodHorse Takes Two First-Place Media Awards
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Photo: American Horse Publications
BloodHorse received two first-place honors and two additional recognitions of excellence during the 2017 American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards, held June 17 during the AHP annual equine media conference in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Top honors went to BloodHorse's Tablet Edition for being the equine publishing industry's leading digital publication and Milt Toby's longform "Taking Shergar," which was published Feb. 8, 2016, on BloodHorse.com.
BloodHorse's tablet edition is a collaborative effort produced by BloodHorse art director Catherine Nichols, production traffic and billing manager Forrest Begley, associate creative services manager Kerry Howe, and creative services director Jennifer Singleton. The tablet edition was the first major initiative pursued after The Jockey Club acquired a major interest in BloodHorse in 2015. The new digital platform launched with the June 6, 2015, edition, in time to celebrate the Triple Crown triumph of American Pharaoh.
"The digital editions are easy to navigate and have a strong layout," commented a judge. "The visuals are strong and the font size is perfect for easy reading. Articles are easy to digest and have multiple entry points. The charts and graphs included are well-designed for tablet viewing."
Toby, a freelance writer, author, and attorney, was a member of BloodHorse's editorial staff in 1983 when the Aga Khan IV's multiple group 1 classic winner Shergar was stolen. He has been fascinated ever since by the still-unsolved mystery.
"The author spins a fascinating mystery thriller about the 1983 theft of a highly valued horse in Ireland," wrote one of the judges about Toby's piece. "There's very little horse-related jargon; instead we find snippets about people and places that only an insider would know about. Although readers learn early that no trace of the horse has ever been found, the intrigue of the story remains strong."
Taking Shergar: Horse Racing's Most Famous Cold Case
BloodHorse magazine also received honorable mentions for general excellence among self-supported publications and in a personality profile division.
For the general excellence honor, a judge commented: "Well-written articles and quality race photos throughout. The interaction with readers is nice. The issue to celebrate 100 years is well done. A quality publication all around."
Freelance writer Gary McMillen's feature about jockey Richard Eramia's journey to United States citizenship was recognized as an outstanding personality profile.
"Story was well written and provided the reader a look into the life of Richard Eramia's life," commented a judge. "It is short and to the point without unnecessary information. I enjoyed the story, and I can appreciate your storytelling skills."