WON: Breeders Bowl Turf(G1), Derby De English(G1), Adelaide Derby(G1), Sydney Derby(G1), Aslan Memorial Stakes (3rd Running)(G1), Owner's Stakes(G1), The Dubai Millenium(GB) Memorial(G1), The Seventh King Eddie Stakes(G2), The Ray's Sword Stakes, The LT. Daring Stakes
2nd: The Pennsylvania Marathon(G1)
3rd: Ark De Triumph(G1), Dynatango Field Handicap

Twin 'Memos' To Excellence: SUNNYBANK MEMORIAL
*Champion 3YO Colt & Champion Turf Horse*

By- Whirlwind

What a great season of highlights we were treated to by this generation of sophomore colts and turf horses. The nominees for the sophomore colts included a colt that won the Derby as well as the Mid-Summer Derby, a dominant sprinter who brought memories of Lever Sparky and Blue Ant, a colt that won 2/3 of the spring classics as well as the Breeders Bowl Classic, and a turf colt with an outstanding resume that was slightly overshadowed by the Eclipse winner.  In the turf ranks, the great older horse rivalries did not compare in the end, nor did the records of the best grass milers in the land. 

The Eclipse nominating committee did their due-diligence; the public has spoken and declared SUNNYBANK MEMORIAL the best of the best of his generation in not one, but TWO divisions for 2004:  Champion 3YO Colt and Champion Turf Horse.

SUNNYBANK MEMORIAL started his 3-year-old season after an experimenting but solid juvenile year, when he won 4 of 8 starts, but really came alive after being put on the lawn after 4 races on the main track. He rewarded his connections with 3 wins in 4 tries on the turf and set him up for his outstanding sophomore year. He started the year with a 3^rd in the Dynatango Field in Wisconsin and a 4^th in the Mantra Impregnate in Washington. What happened next was an outstanding feat of class, style, dominance and sustained form. Next up was a trip down under and a win in the Lt. Daring in New South Wales followed by a trip to Ohio and a win in the Ray’s Sword.

The son of AP Indy was starting to rack up some frequent flyer miles with a return to New South Wales and a totally dominant, 10 length victory in the Grade I, Sydney Derby and then a little jaunt to Victoria and an equally dominating show in the Grade I, Adelaide Derby. He had arrived in a big way and shipped to Epsom for a European classic race. In the Grade I, Derby de English, he was 5/2 and closed with a monster run to get up at the wire by ¾ of a length.

The Derby was a serious test but showed the colt’s courage, heart and determination. It was then time to jet to Ostend and another decisive victory in the Grade II, Seventh King Eddie Stakes. What followed was three great wins that showcased a running style somewhat closer to the pace than previously. He was mostly odds-on in that stretch and his backers went to the bank in the Grade I, Dubai Millenium Memorial in Epsom, the Grade I, Owner’s Stakes in Ontario and the Grade I, Aslan Memorial Stakes in Kentucky.

He had dominated his own age group but now it was time to race against older horses. He was sent to Longchamp, and trained willingly for Europe’s most prestigious race, the Ark De Triumph. In that one, he broke poorly, was out of it early and had a very troubles trip, but closed quickly to finish 3^rd, beaten only 2 ¾ lengths. What was next on the agenda, was a spot in the starting gate in what was one of the most anticipated races at the Breeders Bowl, the Turf Classic. It was to be a royal showdown between Allied Assault and Bristol Rovers but it would seem nobody told SUNNYBANK MEMORIAL. Don Givens in the irons gave him a perfect ride and he won handily, going away and stood on top of the mountain by himself.

He closed his season on DelPenn Champions Day in a rematch with Allied Assault in the Grade I, Pennsylvania Marathon. He raced strongly and took the lead in the stretch, but Allied Assault was not to be denied as he captured the race for the 2^nd consecutive year. SUNNYBANK MEMORIAL finished his year with 10 wins including an unbelievable 7 Grade I triumphs.

Purists may hate the 3YO Colt award going to a colt who raced only over the weeds, but he justifies his Eclipse by dominating his peers in an unprecedented way but also by running big when he had to, when the stages were at their biggest and the entire world was watching. And the Turf Horse division speaks for itself:  in a yer where the top superstars raced over the green stuff, 'Memo' was the nickname that outshined the best of the best.  We look forward to seeing the Champion as he embarks on his next adventure towards excellence.

Through the Binoculars: Congratulations to Sunnybank and his champion, SUNNYBANK MEMORIAL, for an unforgettable season, but kudos to TUFF ENUFF, GRANHEE, KING OF THE CATS, and RAIN GOD for their campaigns, as well as ALLIED ASSAULT, BRISTOL ROVERS, and BUDDIES FOREVER.  We can all look forward to more of their battles as they expand in 2005 to the handicap ranks or march onwards in the great 'Superstar' turf division….Whirlwind….even a bad day at the track is better than a good day anywhere else….