As the year wraps up, it’s time to reflect on the incredible horses that made 2024 special. Three standout mares – Adare Manor, Idiomatic, and Raging Sea – have caught the attention of fans and experts alike. But who should be crowned the Eclipse Award winner for Older Dirt Female Champion? Let’s break down the performances of these three champions and see who stands out.
Adare Manor: A Brilliant Career Cut Short
Adare Manor may have had the most impressive season in 2024. The 5-year-old mare, trained by Bob Baffert, showed incredible skill and determination. She had already earned respect in previous seasons, but this year she truly shone.
Her greatest achievement came in the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch race at Del Mar, where she rallied from behind to win convincingly, despite a rough start. Earlier in the year, Adare Manor also won the Apple Blossom (G1) at Oaklawn and the Santa Margarita (G2) at Santa Anita, proving that she could dominate top competition. Unfortunately, her career ended prematurely after she was scratched from the Pacific Classic and retired before the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Despite these setbacks, Adare Manor finished her career with an impressive record, earning $1,095,000 in her final season.
Idiomatic: Consistent and Classy
The defending Eclipse Award winner, Idiomatic, continued her success in 2024. Although she wasn’t as dominant as last year, the 5-year-old mare remained consistent. Trained by Brad Cox, Idiomatic never finished worse than second in her 17-race career, proving her class and toughness.
This year, Idiomatic won the La Troienne (G1) at Churchill Downs and the Molly Pitcher (G3) at Monmouth Park, but a couple of close losses in Grade 1 races at Saratoga prevented her from achieving another standout season. Still, she showed her quality in defeat, finishing well in the Ogden Phipps and Personal Ensign races. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the Breeders’ Cup Distaff due to a knee injury but ended her season with a win in the Spinster (G1) at Keeneland. Her total earnings for 2024 were $1,487,350, further cementing her status as one of the top mares of the year.
Raging Sea: A Complete Season
Raging Sea may not have the flashy reputation of Adare Manor or Idiomatic, but her consistency and success make her a strong contender for the Eclipse Award. This 4-year-old mare, trained by Chad Brown, had a stellar year, winning four graded stakes races.
Her season began with a win in the Doubledogdare (G3) at Keeneland, and she continued to impress with victories in the Shuvee (G2) at Saratoga and the Personal Ensign (G1), where she outpaced Idiomatic. Raging Sea’s best performance came in the Beldame (G2) at Aqueduct before finishing as a runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. With a record of 6:4-1-0 and earnings of $1,073,850, Raging Sea’s well-rounded season places her in close competition for the top spot.
Who Is the Champion?
Adare Manor, Idiomatic, and Raging Sea all had incredible seasons in 2024. Each of these mares displayed skill, heart, and determination. However, while Adare Manor had some of the most impressive wins, her career was cut short. Idiomatic showed consistent excellence but had a few close losses. Raging Sea, with four graded wins and solid performances all year, had the most complete season.
In my opinion, Raging Sea edges out the others for the Eclipse Award. Her victories, especially in big races like the Personal Ensign, combined with her strong finishes in all her starts, make her the most deserving of the title. However, all three mares deserve recognition for their amazing contributions to the sport.
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