2022 Fan Choice Awards: The Winners
Pop CultureWe are thrilled to reveal the winners of the 2022 America’s Best Racing’s Fan Choice Awards. America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation on behalf of each Fan Choice Awards winner to a horse-racing related charity of their choosing.
Thank you to you, the fans, for voting for the 2022 Fan Choice Awards, and congratulations to Deanna Mancuso, the winner of the sweepstakes that will send her and guest on a trip to the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships with tickets, travel accommodations, and new fashion stylings courtesy of CamHats and Old Smoke.
Without further ado, get to know this year’s winners:
Favorite Filly/Mare: Malathaat
Congratulations to Malathaat! On behalf of Shadwell Farm, America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm. Other finalists were Caravel, Moira, Nest, Secret Oath, and War Like Goddess.
Favorite Jockey: Flavien Prat
Congratulations to Flavien Prat! America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation on behalf of Prat to a charity to be determined. Other finalists were Kendrick Carmouche, Tyler Gaffalione, Juan Hernandez, Kazushi Kimura, and Luis Saez.
Best Race Day Energy 2022: Breeders’ Cup World Championships
Congratulations to those involved with the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships! America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as selected by Breeders’ Cup Ltd. Other finalists were Kentucky Derby, Pegasus World Cup, Preakness Stakes, Queen's Plate, and Travers Stakes.
Best Moment of Inspiration: Cody’s Wish Wins Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
Congratulations to Cody’s Wish! On behalf of the connections of Cody’s Wish, America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Other finalists were D. Wayne Lukas, 86, Wins Kentucky Oaks with Secret Oath; Flightline Overwhelms the Opposition; One-Eyed Un Ojo Pulls Off 75-1 Rebel Stakes Shocker; Rich Strike Upsets in the Kentucky Derby at 80-1; and Tyler’s Tribe Goes 5-for-5, Earns Spot in Breeders’ Cup.
Favorite Breeders' Cup Legend: Zenyatta
Congratulations to Zenyatta! On behalf of the connections of Zenyatta, America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as selected by Breeders’ Cup Ltd. Other finalists were American Pharoah, Beholder, Cigar, Flightline, Personal Ensign, Sunday Silence, Tiznow, and Wise Dan.
Favorite Retired Racehorse: Icabad Crane (Icabad)
Congratulations to Icabad Crane! America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation on behalf of Icabad Crane to a charity to be determined. Other finalists were Conquest Neighpalm (Quest), Danebury (Dane), Daredevil Carl (Jackson), Executive Cat (Rohan), Talk Show Man (Riley), and Tizno (Tiz-notouch).
Greatest Gambling Reaction — Mike Wagner: First Winner as a Horse Owner
Congratulations to Mike Wagner! America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation to Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) as selected by Wagner. Other finalists were Barry Spears: Bad Beat in the Derby; Carin Sheehan: Mackenzie the Dog Roots One Home; Claudia Spadaro: Exciting Finish at Gulfstream; Peter Rotondo: Pick 6 Payday; and Ray Barone: Father & Son Score Big.
Top Racetrack Threads: Danielle Moinet
Congratulations to Danielle Moinet! On behalf of Moinet, America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Other finalists were Chicamastyle, Sarah Cline , Deanna Giulietti, Evan Hirsch, Joey Mulinaro, Ian Rapoport, Julie Stewart-Binks, and Darwin Vizcaya.
Funniest Horse Name: Soup and Sandwich
Congratulations to Soup and Sandwich! America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation to Race Track Chaplaincy of America as selected by owner Charlotte Weber. Other finalists were Baby Yoda, Chicknfingerfriday, Fluffy Socks, Moira, and Rated R Superstar.
Best Old Smoke Shirt: The Call
The Call was the top choice! On behalf of Old Smoke, America’s Best Racing will make a $500 donation to The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. Other finalists were Hold All Tickets; The JK Button Up - Saddle Cloth; The JK Button Up - Saratoga Canoe; The JK Button Up - Secretariat Saddle Cloth; and The Ortiz Brothers Tee.