The historic victory by Rags to Riches over Curlin at the Belmont Stakes has been voted the 2007 National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Moment of the Year. The connections of Rags to Riches, whose Belmont Stakes win was the first by a filly in 102 years, will be honored at the Eclipse Award ceremony Monday, January 21, in Beverly Hills, Calif., with the "NTRA Moment of the Year" award. Balloting was conducted at the NTRA Web site, ntra.com, and offered voters 12 different images illustrating a wide range of human emotions as well as outstanding displays of equine athleticism.

The winning entry received 51% of the votes cast. The runner-up was the euthanization of Barbaro, which received 17%. Finishing third in the vote with 10% was Curlin’s win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic – Powered by Dodge. Tied for fourth with 7% each were the death of John Henry and the victory by Street Sense in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands.

The first-ever “NTRA Moment of the Year” was the touching scene involving Charismatic and jockey Chris Antley following the 1999 Belmont Stakes. The following year’s winner was the stretch run of the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Classic, which saw Tiznow hold on for a dramatic victory against Giant’s Causeway. Tiznow won again the following year as fans selected his stirring repeat victory in the Classic over Sakhee. In 2002, fans cited the passing of the last living Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew. In 2003, the popular Kentucky Derby win by Funny Cide was selected. Birdstone’s upset win in the Belmont Stakes over Smarty Jones took down top honors for 2004. In 2005, fans selected Afleet Alex’s spectacular victory in the Preakness Stakes. Last year, fans paid tribute to the emotional scene at the New Bolton Center as Barbaro recovered from the serious injury he suffered during the Preakness Stakes.

"The NTRA Moment of the Year award is a great way for the fans to play an active role in the Eclipse Awards ceremony," said Keith Chamblin, NTRA senior vice president of communications. “In a year with so many memorable moments, Rags to Riches clearly stood out in the hearts and minds of horse racing fans. We are delighted to salute her marvelous Belmont victory as the latest NTRA Moment of the Year.”