In the world of horse racing, the definition of "older" has shifted dramatically. Once a symbol of seasoned excellence, it now often signifies the twilight of a career spent at stud. This transformation has affected not only the prestige of older horses but also the depth and quality of competition. The rush to sell promising champions has left some categories lacking in contenders, making the selection of Eclipse Award finalists more challenging. Despite these changes, a few standout performers have emerged this year, showcasing remarkable achievements in both dirt and turf divisions.
Male Champions: A Test of Endurance and Skill
The older male division has seen its share of highs and lows. While some horses have delivered impressive performances, others have faltered under pressure. National Treasure stands out as a two-time Grade 1 winner, while Full Serrano and Highland Falls have shown flashes of brilliance. Mullikin's consistency has been commendable, though his preference for shorter races may count against him. Each horse brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, making the choice of champions both intriguing and complex.
National Treasure, owned by SF Racing and trained by Bob Baffert, has had a stellar year with victories in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational and the Met Mile. His second-place finish in the California Crown further solidified his position as a top contender. However, his fourth-place showing in the Saudi Cup and retirement due to foot trouble add layers of complexity to his campaign. Meanwhile, Full Serrano, an Argentine import, validated his potential with a win in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, despite a relatively thin U.S. record. Highland Falls, a Godolphin homebred, shone in the Jockey Club Gold Cup but faced setbacks in other key races. Mullikin, on the other hand, maintained a strong presence with four consecutive wins, including the Forego Stakes, though his Breeders' Cup Sprint loss and focus on one-turn races raise questions about his versatility.
Female Champions: Grace and Resilience
The older female division has witnessed a mix of triumphant returns and bittersweet endings. Adare Manor and Idiomatic have set high standards, each delivering memorable performances that highlight their dominance. Raging Sea and Sweet Azteca have also made significant contributions, adding depth to an otherwise competitive field. Despite retirements and injuries, these mares have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Adare Manor, a 5-year-old mare trained by Bob Baffert, achieved a perfect three-race winning streak, culminating in victories at the Apple Blossom Handicap, Santa Margarita, and Clement L. Hirsch. Her early-season defeat in the Beholder Mile and subsequent retirement add nuance to her campaign. Idiomatic, last year's division champion, bookended her season with Grade 1 wins in the La Troienne and Spinster Stakes. Her narrow losses in the Ogden Phipps and Personal Ensign underscore her resilience. Raging Sea, a Curlin filly, secured four graded-stakes victories, including an upset in the Personal Ensign. However, her performance in the Ogden Phipps and limited race fields raise doubts about her overall impact. Sweet Azteca, known for her sprinting prowess, triumphed in the Beholder Mile and Great Lady M Stakes, but her absence from the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint leaves questions unanswered.