In a remarkable comeback, Southern California's thoroughbred racing scene reclaimed its glory by securing three prestigious awards during the recent Eclipse Awards ceremony held in Palm Beach, Florida. This achievement marks a significant turnaround from last year's absence on the winners' list. The accolades were well-deserved, with two out of three champions having triumphed in Breeders’ Cup races in their most recent outings. Among the notable winners were Citizen Bull, National Treasure, and Straight No Chaser, each representing different facets of excellence in the sport.
The Road to Victory: A Closer Look at SoCal's Champions
In the golden hues of autumn, the Eclipse Awards ceremony unfolded in the picturesque setting of Palm Beach, Florida. The event celebrated the finest achievements in American horse racing over the past year. Southern California's thoroughbred community made an impressive return to the podium after a year of relative obscurity. Three of its finest horses stood out among the night's honorees.
Citizen Bull, a young stallion purchased for $675,000 by a consortium including SF Racing and Starlight Racing, captured the 2-Year-Old Male Eclipse Award. His journey was marked by victories in both the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile and the American Pharoah races. Despite a third-place finish in the Del Mar Futurity, his maiden win at Del Mar set the stage for his future successes. Currently, he is the third favorite in the Kentucky Derby futures pool, reflecting high hopes for his potential.
National Treasure, under the guidance of trainer Bob Baffert, clinched the Older Dirt Male award following wins in the Pegasus World Cup and the Metropolitan Handicap (Met Mile). His consistent performance culminated in a second-place finish in the California Cup Classic. Owned by the same group as Citizen Bull, National Treasure exemplifies the synergy between ownership and training.
Straight No Chaser, trained by Dan Blacker and owned by MyRacehorse—an innovative ownership model that allows fans to purchase microshares—was another standout winner. This seasoned colt secured victories in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship and the Breeders’ Cup Sprint after joining Blacker's stable. With six wins in ten career starts, Straight No Chaser has proven his mettle time and again.
The evening's biggest highlight was undoubtedly Thorpedo Anna, a filly who became the first female horse to win since 2011. Her unanimous selection for the 3-Year-Old Filly award underscores her exceptional talent and the respect she commands within the racing community. Trainer Kenny McPeek expressed pride in her continued success, emphasizing the exhilarating journey they have shared.
Adding to the excitement, Chad Brown was named Trainer of the Year, edging out McPeek despite the latter's impressive victories in the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Brown's statistical superiority secured him the top honor with 101 first-place votes compared to McPeek's 88.
Other notable winners included Immersive (2-Year-Old Filly), Sierra Leone (3-Year-Old Male), Idiomatic (Older Dirt Female), Soul of an Angel (Female Sprinter), and Rebel’s Romance (Male Turf Horse). Former Southern California-based jockey Flavien Prat also claimed his first Eclipse Award as top jockey.
From a journalist's perspective, the Eclipse Awards serve as a testament to the resilience and excellence of Southern California's thoroughbred racing industry. The recognition of these champions not only celebrates individual achievements but also highlights the collective strength and innovation within the sport. It reaffirms the importance of perseverance and strategic partnerships in achieving greatness. As we look forward to the upcoming season, the stories of these champions will continue to inspire both insiders and enthusiasts alike.