At the annual American Horse Publications competition, for material published in 2011, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred was rewarded with four prizes in editorial content, as well as honorable mentions in cover and advertising design.
In the class of Editorial Event Coverage Single Article, circulation under 20,000 (print) (14 entries), first place went to Sean Clancy’s story on the 2009 Breeder’ Cup, “Sharing the Glory,” published in January 2011. The judge commented: “This article has an excellent beginning, great writing and story-telling that flows throughout the rest of the story. I always appreciate a writer who can write a long story so well.”
Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred’s late editor, Lucy Acton, was recognized twice for her work. In the class Editorial Opinion Single Column (print), her editorial “Maryland Racing Commission rejects MJC’s ‘plan’ for 2011” (January 2011) was selected the third choice of 22 entries, and elicited the comments: “A classic editorial is short, sharp and memorable, all of which describe this entry. Somehow, this talented writer cut through what was no doubt a convoluted mess of details to succinctly frame the problem, the contributing factors and her well-reasoned perspective.”
Acton also received an honorable mention for her story on Robert Meyerhoff (“Meyerhoff’s Success is Second to None,” March 2011). One of 19 entries in the Personality Profile Single Article, circulation under 10,000 (print), it drew the following praise: “The writer has a great sense of language and the ability to tell a yarn. The character is larger than life, and handled just right.”
In the same category, Don Clippinger’s story on trainer Tony Dutrow received a third-place award. In “A Blessing and a Curse” (February 2011), it was noted that “The writer makes wonderful use of anecdotes and quotes in a delightful portrait of a driven man.”
Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred’s director of publications and advertising, Barrie Reightler, received two honorable mentions. One was for Publication Cover Page, circulation under 10,000 (print) (21 entries), for the October 2011 cover of Peb art chronicling the history of Laurel Park. The critique noted: “What a fun idea to reproduce sections of old programs to depict the 100th anniversary. Pleasing montage of horses, people, and typography. It was a nice touch to also include prices and years on some of the cropped images.”
Recognition for design was also received in the category, Publication Staff Single Advertisement (print) (20 entries), for “Another Webb Carroll Classic Winner,” which appeared in July 2011. The comments for the page that featured Preakness Stakes-G1 winner Shackleford were: “This ad is a strong piece. Clean and the use of color with black and white in the imagery takes it to another level.” Stuart Haman took the photograph featured in the advertisement.
