Pincay Will Get Special Eclipse Award

Laffit Pincay, who already has won more Eclipse Awards than any other jockey or trainer, will be getting a sixth later this month.

Pincay, who broke Bill Shoemaker’s record when he rode his 8,834th winner in a race at Hollywood Park on Dec. 10, has been named the recipient of a special Eclipse Award. Special Eclipse awards are given from time to time for outstanding achievements in racing. Pincay will be one of the honorees at the Beverly Hilton on Jan. 17, when the 1999 horse-of-the-year announcement is made.

Pincay won his first Eclipse Award as champion jockey in 1971, the first year for the Eclipse program. He was also voted champion jockey in 1973, ‘74, ’79 and ’85. Tied for second behind Pincay on the Eclipse list are jockey Pat Day and trainers Laz Barrera and Wayne Lukas, who have won four apiece.

Thirteen special Eclipse Awards have been given out, the last to jockey Russell Baze in 1995. Other jockeys to win the special award have been Shoemaker in 1976, and Eddie Arcaro and Johnny Longden, both in 1994.