The prestigious Eclipse Awards finalists were revealed on Sunday, unveiling a competitive lineup of contenders across various categories. Notably, jockey Flavien Prat is set to claim the title of champion jockey, while Thorpedo Anna appears destined for Horse of the Year honors. The awards dinner on January 23 will unveil further surprises, especially regarding the Horse of the Year category. This year's nominations highlight exceptional performances and intense competition among top-tier thoroughbreds and their human counterparts.
In the golden glow of autumn, the horse racing world has its eyes fixed on the upcoming Eclipse Awards. Among the most anticipated outcomes is Flavien Prat’s potential triumph as champion jockey. Prat broke records this year with an unprecedented number of stakes and graded stakes victories. He competes alongside Irad Ortiz, Jr., and Tyler Gaffalione for this prestigious title.
Thorpedo Anna, who concluded her stellar season with a win at the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), is widely expected to secure both Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old filly accolades. Meanwhile, Godolphin LLC is favored to win the leading owner award for the fifth consecutive year, boasting several nominees including Rebel’s Romance, Immersive, Good Cheer, and Cinderella’s Dream.
Several categories promise nail-biting finishes. The champion 3-year-old male category sees Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Dornoch vying for the top spot. In the older male and female divisions, Full Serrano, National Treasure, Straight No Chaser, Adare Manor, Idiomatic, and Raging Sea are all strong contenders. For the 2-year-old champions, Bob Baffert’s Citizen Bull and Chad Brown’s Chancer McPatrick lead the pack, while in the filly category, Immersive stands out among Good Cheer and Lake Victoria.
Among trainers, Chad Brown, Brad Cox, and Kenny McPeek are finalists, each bringing their own impressive roster of horses. The apprentice jockey category features Erik Asmussen, Gabriel Maldonado, and J.G. Torrealba, showcasing the next generation of talent.
With 87% voter participation from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, racing officials, and media professionals, the Eclipse Awards promise to be a celebration of excellence and dedication in the sport.
From a journalist’s perspective, these nominations reflect not just individual achievements but also the collective spirit of the horse racing community. Each finalist represents countless hours of training, strategic planning, and unwavering passion. The Eclipse Awards serve as a reminder that success in this sport is built on teamwork, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between humans and horses. This event celebrates not only the stars of the track but also the unsung heroes behind the scenes who make every race possible.