The upcoming Eclipse Awards, set to be announced next week, promise a mix of predictable outcomes and fiercely contested categories. As the horse racing community eagerly awaits January 23rd, several divisions stand out for their complexity and intrigue.
One of the most anticipated categories is the Two-Year-Old Male, where Citizen Bull, a standout performer, has emerged as the frontrunner. His victory in the prestigious GI FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile solidified his position. However, there are whispers that he might not be the top contender in Bob Baffert's stable, hinting at even greater talent on the horizon. In the Two-Year-Old Filly category, Immersive was an obvious choice until an injury derailed her promising career. Fortunately, she is expected to return, bringing hope for future triumphs.
In the Three-Year-Old Male division, the competition between Sierra Leone and Fierceness has been particularly intense. Both horses have had remarkable performances, with Sierra Leone emerging victorious in the GI Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. Despite Fierceness' strong showing in the GI DK Travers Stakes, the decisive moment came when Sierra Leone claimed the Classic, cementing his place in this year's awards. Meanwhile, the Three-Year-Old Filly category saw Thorpedo Anna take the lead without much contention.
The Older Dirt Male category presents a unique challenge due to the retirement of many top three-year-olds from 2023. National Treasure stands out with victories in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes and the Metropolitan Handicap, making him the likely winner despite the emergence of Full Serrano. The Older Dirt Female category is equally competitive, with Idiomatic narrowly edging out Adare Manor based on her impressive performance in tougher races, especially her dominant win in the Juddmonte Spinster Stakes.
The sprint categories introduce additional layers of complexity. For Male Sprinter, Straight No Chaser won the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint, securing his spot despite a limited campaign. In the Female Sprinter category, Soul of an Angel shone with victories in the Princess Rooney and the PNC Bank Breeders’ Cup F&M Sprint, though a late-season loss adds a twist to voter considerations.
The turf divisions bring international flair into focus. Carl Spackler emerges as a compelling choice for Male Turf Horse, having demonstrated consistency across six U.S. races, including two top-level wins. The debate around foreign horses competing once in the U.S. and winning Breeders’ Cup races highlights the need for clearer eligibility rules. In the Female Turf Horse category, Moira secured her position with a breakthrough win in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
The Steeplechase Horse category sees Snap Decision dominate with three graded stakes wins, proving that expertise in this discipline should not be overlooked. Moving to the human side of the sport, Flavien Prat had a historic year as a jockey, while apprentice Erik Asmussen led all newcomers in wins and earnings. Trainer Kenny McPeek is poised to win the trainer award, highlighted by his Derby-Oaks double and near-victory in the Travers. Finally, Godolphin takes home the Breeder/Owner award, and Thorpedo Anna is named Horse of the Year, capping off a memorable year in horse racing.
The Eclipse Awards serve as a testament to the resilience, skill, and dedication of both equine athletes and their human counterparts. They remind us of the importance of perseverance and excellence, reinforcing the values of hard work and determination in the world of sports. This year's awards will undoubtedly inspire future generations of racers and enthusiasts alike.