MOST sports offer comeback awards. If thoroughbred racing had an award for comeback of the year, Lady Eli would be a unanimous choice for 2016.

Undefeated in six starts in 2014-15, the daughter of Divine Park stepped on a nail after winning the Belmont Oaks last summer and suffered from laminitis. Away from the races from July, 2015 to August this year, the filly suffered her first loss in the Ballston Spa at Saratoga.