2002 Horse of the Year Azeri was up for auction at Keeneland on January 12, 2009, but failed to meet her reserve with a high bid of $4.4 million. Here are the details plus photos of her and Island Fashion, who did sell for $950,000.

From the Bush Tracks to the Triple Crown by Ed McNamara. Cajun horsemen have been perennial leaders in North American Thoroughbred racing. Learn about the unique, horse-centered environment in Cajun country of Louisiana, and some of the prominent families whose names grace the racing news pages and result charts.

The finalists for the 2008 Eclipse Awards were announced Friday. The winners will be announced and trophies presented on Monday January 26 at the 38th annual award ceremony, to be held in Miami. Curlin (right) could repeat as Horse of the Year, although Zenyatta has a lot of support as well. Get all the finalists and links to profiles for each here.

Since all Northern Hemisphere racehorses have their official birthday on January 1st, here is a look at the rules for naming and registering a Thoroughbred. It isn't as easy as you might think to pick out a name that will pass the Jockey Club's very strict regulations.

Happy New Year and happy birthday to all the race horses!