Why I Love the Beemie Awards

The 5th annual Beemie Awards are tonight (Friday, Jan. 18, 2019), and of course I'm excited for this celebration of not only Racing Twitter but also Jason Beem's genius.

In an industry that takes itself way too seriously, the Beemie Awards are the perfect antithesis to the black tie gala Eclispe Awards 6 days later: The categories are made up, and participants are encouraged to interact from their couch rather than a $500/plate dinner.

That's why anyone should love the Beemie Awards, though. Why do *I* love them? It brings Racing Twitter together in a way that most reminds me of the fun I have at the track within my peer group. Unfortunately, as people have moved away from each other and/or our roles in racing require time at the track to be more work time than play time, that feeling of camaraderie when watching the races has faded somewhat.

The Beemie Awards don't replace that, of course--we're not even at the racetrack--but they do remind of the fun horseplayers can have with each other--especially at our own expense. There is a lot we do that's ridiculous, such as the effort I put into verifying my Twitter account, and we kid because we love.

Our buddy @EJXD2 wasn't gonna miss the #BeemieAwards Red Carpet without his best date! pic.twitter.com/W8qfyw6RcI

— Jason Beem (@BeemieAwards) December 16, 2017

So sit back, crack open your tasty beverage of choice, and enjoy tonight's Beemie Awards by following @BeemieAwards & #BeemieAwards

A #BeemieAwards eve tradition, the @ShamIAmNot Beemie Bingo Card! pic.twitter.com/EEqU3cFrq2

— Jason Beem (@BeemieAwards) January 18, 2019