The prestigious Eclipse Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in the world of horse racing, will soon reveal its finalists. The announcement is set to take place this Sunday at noon Eastern Standard Time and will be broadcast live on FanDuel TV. Organized by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWB), and Daily Racing Form (DRF), the event honors excellence in thoroughbred racing through a rigorous voting process involving key industry figures. The main awards ceremony will follow in January, featuring an evening filled with anticipation and celebration.

A Golden Evening Awaits at The Breakers

In the heart of Palm Beach, Florida, the 54th annual Eclipse Awards ceremony will unfold at The Breakers on Thursday, January 23rd. This glamorous event promises to captivate audiences with a red-carpet pre-show starting at 6:30 p.m. EST, leading into the awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. EST. Hosted by Britney Eurton and Lindsay Czarniak, with Caton Bredar as the announcer, the night will culminate in the grand reveal of the 2024 Horse of the Year. Notably, the finalists for this honor will remain a closely guarded secret until the evening of the ceremony.

This year introduces exciting new elements, including a charity golf tournament benefiting the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, held on the ocean course at The Breakers earlier that morning. Additionally, one lucky fan and their guest will win an all-access experience, courtesy of the Eclipse Awards sweepstakes. Winners will also have the opportunity to attend the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park on January 25th. Fans can enter the contest by sharing why they deserve to win, with entries accepted online until Tuesday.

From a journalist's perspective, the Eclipse Awards not only highlight the pinnacle of achievement in thoroughbred racing but also underscore the sport's commitment to community and philanthropy. The introduction of fan engagement initiatives like the sweepstakes and charity events demonstrates a growing effort to bridge the gap between enthusiasts and the racing world, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community.