The 55th Annual Eclipse Awards are scheduled for , recognizing excellence in North American Thoroughbred racing. Past performance data for candidates was updated on , across several categories including 2-Year-Old Filly, 2-Year-Old Male, 3-Year-Old Filly, 3-Year-Old Male, Female Sprinter, and Male Sprinter. Awards will also be presented for Female Turf, Male Turf, Older Dirt Female, Older Dirt Male, and Steeplechase, alongside recognition for Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, Owners, Breeders, and Apprentice Jockeys.
The anticipation surrounding the Horse of the Year award is already building, following the precedent set at the 54th annual Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards ceremony. Last year, Thorpedo Anna, a 3-year-old filly, achieved a unanimous victory in her category and ultimately secured the Horse of the Year title, becoming the seventh female horse to earn the honor and the first since Havre de Grace in 2011. She joined Rachel Alexandra (2009) as the only 3-year-old fillies to claim the award.
Thorpedo Anna’s successful 2024 campaign was highlighted by victories in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). A narrow second-place finish to Fierceness in the Travers Stakes (G1) didn’t diminish her overall performance. She ultimately outpolled fellow 3-year-olds Sierra Leone and Fierceness by a vote of 193-10-5 to earn the title. The filly is owned by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks, and Magdalena Racing, and is trained by Kenny McPeek.
Hicks, who bred Thorpedo Anna, emphasized the culmination of numerous factors contributing to the filly’s success, from breeding and upbringing to sales and racing. She is currently in training in Florida, preparing for a campaign as a 4-year-old.
The upcoming Eclipse Awards ceremony will also acknowledge achievements in steeplechase racing, with statistics for 2025 available for review. The event will honor not only the horses but also the individuals who contribute to the sport, including jockeys, trainers, owners, and breeders. The awards also recognize the contributions of apprentice jockeys.
Beyond the racing accolades, the week of , has been marked by unrelated news events. In Tucson, Arizona, a person has been detained for questioning in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, according to sources within the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The case has garnered significant public attention, with “armchair detectives” actively discussing the situation on social media. Further investigation is underway, including scrutiny of surveillance technology used in the case.
In Washington D.C., a grand jury has refused to indict Democratic lawmakers connected to a video urging U.S. Military members to resist “illegal orders.” This decision follows scrutiny of the video and its potential implications for military protocol. The annual gathering of governors with the White House is reportedly unraveling due to former President Trump’s exclusion of Democratic governors. The Trump administration is also planning to withhold grant money from some states led by Democratic officials.
A dispute between the U.S. And Canada regarding a bridge project continues to escalate, with the White House suggesting that former President Trump could amend a permit for the project. A recent Gallup poll indicates a prevailing sense of gloom among Americans. There have been reports of shootings in northeastern British Columbia, resulting in ten fatalities, including the shooter. Moderna has received a rejection from the FDA for its application for a new mRNA flu vaccine. The Super Bowl averaged 124 million viewers.
The 55th Annual Eclipse Awards, however, remain a focal point for the thoroughbred racing community. The awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the sport, recognizing the dedication and skill of all involved. The event promises to be a celebration of the past year’s accomplishments and a look forward to the future of Thoroughbred racing. The availability of past performance data for candidates suggests a competitive field across all categories, and the anticipation for the Horse of the Year announcement is high.
The awards will also recognize the top performers in specific categories, such as Female Sprinter and Male Turf, providing a comprehensive overview of the year’s best horses and individuals. The inclusion of awards for trainers, owners, and breeders highlights the collaborative nature of the sport and the importance of all stakeholders. The recognition of apprentice jockeys underscores the commitment to developing the next generation of talent in Thoroughbred racing.
