2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships: Eclipse Awards Celebrate Excellence in Thoroughbred Racing

The 54th annual Eclipse Awards showcased the pinnacle of Thoroughbred racing, as eight champions from the 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships were honored in their respective categories. Leading the way was Thorpedo Anna, crowned Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old filly after a standout performance in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).

Thorpedo Anna's journey to the top began with a victory in the Fantasy Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park in March. She solidified her status with a 2 1/2-length win in the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) and continued to excel throughout the season. Her impressive campaign included a narrow loss to Fierceness in the Travers Stakes (G1) and a decisive win in the Cotillion Stakes (G1), setting the stage for her triumphant performance at the Breeders’ Cup.

In the Distaff, Thorpedo Anna, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., led from start to finish, securing a thrilling 2 1/2-length victory over Raging Sea. This achievement marked her as the 24th Breeders’ Cup World Championships winner to earn the prestigious Horse of the Year title.

The Eclipse Awards recognized a total of eight champions from the Breeders’ Cup, including:

• Sierra Leone: Winner of the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), celebrated as the champion 3-year-old male.

• Rebel’s Romance (IRE): Named champion male turf horse after successfully defending his title in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf.

• Moira (ON): Crowned champion female turf horse following her thrilling victory in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

• Straight No Chaser: Awarded champion male sprinter after a close win in the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

• Soul of an Angel: Recognized as champion female sprinter for her strong rally in the PNC Bank Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

• Citizen Bull: Secured champion 2-year-old male honors with a victory in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

• Immersive: Named champion 2-year-old filly after an impressive win in the NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1).

Notably, Godolphin was honored as Outstanding Owner for the fifth consecutive year, showcasing its dominance in the sport with 41 graded/group winners and a record $20.2 million in earnings. Trainer Chad Brown earned the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer, bringing in over $30.9 million in purses.

Flavien Prat achieved his first Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey, thanks to his remarkable performances, including two Breeders’ Cup victories. He also won the Bill Shoemaker Award for riding the most winners during the Championship races.

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships continues to be a premier event in Thoroughbred racing, with 282 contenders having gone on to become Eclipse Award winners since its inception in 1984. The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships are set for October 31-November 1 at Del Mar in California, promising another exciting showcase of racing excellence.

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