Daylami narrowly lost out on the award as America's "horse of the year" for 1999 last night.
Godolphin's Breeders' Cup Turf and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner was the choice of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.
But votes of the National Turf Writers Association and the Daily Racing Form gave the honour to Charismatic, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness and broke down when bidding to complete the triple crown in the Belmont Stakes.
However, Daylami did receive the Eclipse Award as best male turf horse - despite having raced only once in the USA.
Others honoured at a ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, included Bob Baffert, who was voted top trainer for the third year in a row and also saw his fillies Chilukki and Silverbulletday both pick up awards.
Lonesome Glory was chaser of the year for a record fifth time, having won the award previously in 1992, 1993, 1995 and 1997.
