St Cecelia is 2011 Horse of the Year

The 2011 horse of the year is "Saint Cecelia."

The brilliant and speedy 6-year-old mare finally won the prestigious award by one vote over 2-time horse of the year mark my word, after being the bridesmaid in previous seasons.

Saint Cecelia won 6-grade one stakes races from 9 starts with stakes of 4.9 million dollars. she got the nod over Mark My Word due to two wins she scored over the chestnut gelding, including a gutsy performance in the december 10 CTL gold cup.

Superstakes winner Mark My Word was the first runner up, while St. Leger winner "commanding chief" was the second runner-up.

Saint Cecelia also won the champion local bred, champion sprinter and champion middle distance performer awards.

The champion 2-year-old is blast them away the overall champion 3-year-old is Commanding Chief.

Mark My Word is the champion Stayer, while Mis-Myrtle-Boy-Richie is the champion foreign bred horse.

Champion jockey Dick Cardenas was voted most improved rider while Patrick Lynch won the most improved trainer award.