A New Jersey thoroughbred gelding was named 2025’s Champion Male Sprinter at racing’s Eclipse Award ceremonies in Palm Beach this week.
Book’em Danno, by Bucchero our of the Ghostzapper mare Adorabella, raced for a New Jersey-based partnership of friends and business acquaintances called Atlantic Six Racing.
Book ’em Danno winning at Saratoga. (Photo © 2025 by Mathea Kelley)
“In this sport, you need a lot of luck, a lot of dedication, and an exceptional horse,” said Atlantic Six’s managing partner, Jay
Briscione noted. “Tonight we celebrate all three.”
Characterized by his owners as “the horse of a lifetime,” he was bred by Gregory J. Kilka and Bright View Farm. The 5-year-old who won three high profile stakes at Saratoga last year is the all-time leading New Jersey-bred earner with more than $1.8 million to his credit. He is the first New Jersey-bred Eclipse Award winner since Open Mind, the champion 3-year-old filly in 1989.
Book’em Danno has been trained by Derek Ryan, who said the success is due to the horse’s competitive nature.
“He doesn’t have a pedigree, he’s not a pretty mover. He’s just a racehorse.”