US Grade 1 winner Brain Power shortlisted for 2019 'Steeplechase' Eclipse Award

Grade 1 scorer Brain Power will feature alongside the creme de la creme of US racing at the 2019 Eclipse Awards after being shortlisted for the Steeplechase Horse category.

The enigmatic Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old enjoyed his first top-level success when landing the Grand National Hurdle Stakes at Far Hills in October, capitalising on an unfortunate spill from the ill-fated Wicklow Brave at the last.

The two other nominees for the coveted prize are Scorpiancer, a 15-length second to Brain Power at Far Hills, and Winston C, a former Harry Fry-trained hurdler who has struck twice in top company since switching to US pastures.

Breeders' Cup Turf champion Bricks And Mortar, three-time Grade 1 winner Maximum Security and the Steve Asmussen-trained Mitole form a top-class trio in the Horse of the Year list.

Bricks And Mortar: nominated for the Horse of the Year awardCredit: Edward Whitaker

The 17-category ceremony will be held on January 23 at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

The 2019 Eclipse Award finalists

Horse of the Year Bricks And Mortar, Maximum Security, Mitole

Two-Year-Old Male Maxfield, Storm The Court, Structor

Two-Year-Old Filly Bast, British Idiom, Sharing

Three-Year-Old Male Code Of Honor, Maximum Security, Omaha Beach

Three-Year-Old Filly Covfefe, Guarana, Serengeti Empress

Older Dirt Male McKinzie, Mitole, Vino Rosso

Older Dirt Female Blue Prize (ARG), Elate, Midnight Bisou

Male Sprinter Imperial Hint, Mitole, World Of Trouble

Female Sprinter Belvoir Bay (GB), Come Dancing, Covfefe

Male Turf Horse Bricks And Mortar, Mo Forza, World Of Trouble

Female Turf Horse Got Stormy, Sistercharlie (IRE), Uni (GB)

Steeplechase Horse Brain Power (IRE), Scorpiancer (IRE), Winston C (IRE)

Owner Gary Barber, Peter Brant, Klaravich Stables, Inc. and
William H. Lawrence

Breeder Calumet Farm, Godolphin, George Strawbridge Jr.

Trainer Steve Asmussen, Chad Brown, Brad Cox

Jockey Javier Castellano, Irad Ortiz, Jr., Jose Ortiz

Apprentice Jockey Julio Correa, Angel Diaz, Kazushi Kimura

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