The horse racing community is set to celebrate outstanding achievements in Thoroughbred racing with the announcement of finalists for the prestigious 2024 Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards. This annual event, now in its 54th year, recognizes excellence across various categories, from horses to humans, and will be broadcast live on FanDuel TV and other platforms on January 23, 2025. The evening's highlight will be the unveiling of the Horse of the Year, alongside accolades for 17 categories. Voting was conducted by a distinguished panel of industry experts, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process.
Honoring Equine Champions: Finalists in Horse Categories
This year's Eclipse Awards feature a diverse array of top contenders in the equine categories. Notable finalists include young talents like Chancer McPatrick and Good Cheer, as well as seasoned performers such as Full Serrano and Adare Manor. Each category highlights the exceptional performance and potential of these remarkable animals. The winners will be chosen based on first-place votes, reflecting their unparalleled contributions to the sport.
The competition spans several age groups and specialties. For instance, the Two-Year-Old Male category showcases promising newcomers like Gaming and Citizen Bull. Meanwhile, the Three-Year-Old Filly category features Cinderella’s Dream, She Feels Pretty, and Thorpedo Anna, who have demonstrated impressive skills on the track. The Older Dirt Female category includes Adare Manor, Idiomatic, and Raging Sea, all of whom have proven their mettle over time. These finalists exemplify the diversity and depth of talent within the Thoroughbred racing world, setting the stage for an exciting awards ceremony.
Celebrating Human Contributions: Finalists in Industry Roles
Beyond the horses, the Eclipse Awards also honor the individuals who make the sport possible. Categories such as Owner, Breeder, Trainer, Jockey, and Apprentice Jockey recognize the crucial roles played by those behind the scenes. The finalists represent some of the most respected names in the industry, including Godolphin LLC, Calumet Farm, Chad Brown, Tyler Gaffalione, and Erik Asmussen. Their dedication and expertise contribute significantly to the success and integrity of Thoroughbred racing.
Each finalist has made notable contributions to the sport, whether through breeding exceptional horses, training champions, or guiding young talent. For example, the Trainer category features Chad Brown, Brad Cox, and Kenny McPeek, whose innovative approaches and deep knowledge have elevated the performance of their charges. Similarly, the Jockey category includes Irad Ortiz Jr., Flavien Prat, and Tyler Gaffalione, known for their skill and consistency in the saddle. Additionally, the media will be honored for outstanding coverage, ensuring that the public remains informed and engaged with the thrilling world of Thoroughbred racing. The ceremony promises to be a celebration of both animal and human excellence, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines this prestigious event.