Nick Luck speaks of pride after being named Eclipse Awards host

Broadcaster Nick Luck says it will be "an honour" to take over from long-time host Jeannine Edwards at next month's Eclipse Awards in Florida.

Luck, familiar to American racing fans thanks to his work on NBC Sports, will host the prestigious ceremony at Gulfstream Park on January 25 after Edwards stepped aside following her retirement from ESPN.

"It is really a huge honour to be asked to present an event as prestigious as the Eclipse Awards,” said Luck. "I have been lucky enough to be a part of NBC’s horseracing coverage for several years – these experiences have been made all the more enjoyable by the generosity of my friends and colleagues in the US racing media.

"Hopefully, I can do them justice next month. Having worked for several years with Jeannine, I know I have a very hard act to follow."

Luck will be staying on at Gulfstream Park to form part of NBC's coverage of the second running of the Pegasus World Cup and Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the Eclipse Award's organiser the National Thoroughbred Racing Association spoke of his delight at securing the Brit.

"Nick's racing knowledge, sharp presentation and quick wit have made him one of the most respected racing broadcasters in Great Britain and in North America," said Waldrop.

"On behalf of the presenting organisations, we also would like to thank Jeannine Edwards for her outstanding work as Eclipse Awards host the past six years, and congratulate her on a marvellous 22-year run with ESPN. We look forward to her being a part of the Eclipse Awards in the future."