In reflecting on the memorable 2024 racing season, three outstanding mares have emerged as contenders for the Eclipse Award for older dirt female champion. Adare Manor, Idiomatic, and Raging Sea each showcased remarkable performances, making it a challenging decision for voters. This article explores their achievements and evaluates which mare might be most deserving of this prestigious accolade.

The Reigning Queen of the West Coast: Adare Manor's Impressive Run

Adare Manor, a seasoned competitor under the guidance of trainer Bob Baffert, demonstrated her prowess with an unforgettable final season. She not only secured multiple top-tier victories but also left an indelible mark on the sport. Her versatility and resilience were particularly evident in high-stakes races where she overcame early setbacks to triumph.

Adare Manor’s season was highlighted by a series of commanding wins, including the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch at Del Mar, where she rallied from behind to dominate the competition. Prior to this, she had already claimed victories in the Apple Blossom (G1) at Oaklawn and the Santa Margarita (G2) at Santa Anita. Despite a shortened campaign due to retirement before major events like the Pacific Classic and Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Adare Manor concluded her career with impressive statistics: four wins, one second-place finish, and earnings totaling $1,095,000. Her consistent excellence and ability to perform under pressure made her a formidable contender for the Eclipse Award.

The Consistent Challenger: Idiomatic's Stellar Performance

Idiomatic, trained by Brad Cox, maintained her reputation as a reliable performer throughout the 2024 season. While perhaps not as dominant as in previous years, her consistency shone through in every race. Early-season victories in the La Troienne (G1) at Churchill Downs and the Molly Pitcher (G3) at Monmouth Park underscored her class. Even in defeat, such as in the Ogden Phipps and Personal Ensign, she displayed remarkable competitiveness.

Idiomatic’s crowning moment came in the Spinster (G1) at Keeneland, where she dominated the field in what was intended to be a prep race for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Unfortunately, a knee injury forced her withdrawal from the big event, leading to her eventual retirement. Despite this setback, Idiomatic finished the year with a commendable record of five starts, three wins, two seconds, and total earnings of $1,487,350. Her ability to consistently deliver top performances solidified her status as a leading candidate for the Eclipse Award.

The Complete Package: Raging Sea's Unmatched Consistency

Raging Sea, under Chad Brown’s training, delivered a comprehensive and consistent performance throughout the season. With four graded-stakes wins, she arguably had the most complete season among the older dirt females. Starting strong with a decisive victory in the Doubledogdare (G3) at Keeneland, Raging Sea continued to impress with wins in the Shuvee (G2) at Saratoga and the Personal Ensign (G1), where she narrowly edged out Idiomatic in a thrilling contest.

Her season culminated with a runner-up finish in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, where she ran competitively against the likes of Thorpedo Anna. Raging Sea’s overall body of work, characterized by her consistency and adaptability, made her a standout candidate for the Eclipse Award. Her final record of six starts, four wins, one second-place finish, and earnings of $1,073,850 reflected her stellar performance. In a tightly contested race for the championship, Raging Sea’s well-rounded season makes her a compelling choice for the award.