Eclipse Awards Ceremony Highlights
At the prestigious Eclipse Awards ceremony held on Thursday evening in Palm Beach, Florida, Sovereignty was honored with both Horse of the Year and the title for the best 3-year-old male. The colt’s remarkable achievements this season, especially his triumphs at the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, were notable highlights for trainer Bill Mott, who also received accolades as Trainer of the Year.
Key Performances and Awards
Despite bypassing the Preakness Stakes, Sovereignty’s remarkable performance still secured him a prominent place in racing history, although he could not participate in the Breeders’ Cup Classic due to a fever.
The event, now in its 55th year, recognized other impressive equines, including Ted Noffey, who was named the top 2-year-old male horse after completing a flawless season with four wins, which included the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Under the guidance of trainer Todd Pletcher, Ted Noffey demonstrated formidable prowess, winning his debut at Saratoga and continuing his success with notable victories at the Hopeful Stakes and the Breeders’ Futurity, establishing him as a strong contender for the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
Additional Recognitions
Recognition extended to jockey Flavien Prat, awarded Jockey of the Year, alongside Pietro Moran, who received the title of Apprentice Jockey. Additionally, Godolphin LLC, the racing and breeding arm of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from Dubai, triumphed as both Owner and Breeder of the Year.
Category Winners
The event also saw commendation across various categories, with Japan-bred Forever Young taking the title of older dirt male, Book’em Danno as the top male sprinter, and Notable Speech, from Britain, earning accolades for male turf horse. Among the fillies, Super Corredora was recognized as the 2-year-old female winner; Nitrogen claimed the 3-year-old female title, while Thorpedo Anna was honored as the older dirt female. Additionally, Shisospicy and She Feels Pretty were named the top female sprinter and female turf horse, respectively. Cool Jet was awarded honors in the steeplechase category.
About the Eclipse Awards
Named after the iconic 18th-century racehorse and sire Eclipse, these prestigious awards are determined through votes cast by members of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, celebrating the best in thoroughbred racing each year.
