Thorpedo Anna has made history by becoming only the second 3-year-old filly to win the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year. The announcement came during the 54th Annual Eclipse Awards ceremony held at The Breakers Palm Beach. Her remarkable achievements in 2024 have put her among the greatest in horse racing history.
Thorpedo Anna’s Dominant 2024 Season
Trained by Kenny McPeek and owned by a team led by Brookdale Racing, Thorpedo Anna had an unforgettable season. She won six of her seven races in 2024, with highlights including victories in the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1), Fantasy Stakes (G2), DK Horse Acorn Stakes (G1), and the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
Her only defeat came in the DraftKings Travers Stakes (G1), where she competed against male horses and finished a close second to Fierceness, the 2023 Two-Year-Old Male Champion. Despite this, her overall record and performances earned her the unanimous vote as Champion Three-Year-Old Filly and 193 out of 240 votes for Horse of the Year.
Honoring Excellence at the Eclipse Awards
The Eclipse Awards celebrate the best in North American horse racing, recognizing achievements in various categories. Here are some other notable winners:
- Sierra Leone: This standout 3-year-old colt, trained by Chad Brown, was named Champion Three-Year-Old Male. He had a stellar season, including a win in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
- Chad Brown: Brown received his fifth Outstanding Trainer Award. He led all trainers in 2024 earnings, amassing over $30.8 million.
- Flavien Prat: The top jockey set records for most graded stakes wins (56) and total stakes victories (82). He was also the leading money earner among jockeys with over $37 million.
- Godolphin LLC: This powerhouse operation was honored as Outstanding Owner and Breeder. Its horses won 10 Grade 1 races in 2024, earning over $20 million in North America.
A Night of Historic Wins
Several other horses and trainers were recognized for their exceptional performances in 2024:
- Citizen Bull: Champion Two-Year-Old Male, trained by Bob Baffert.
- Idiomatic: Champion Older Dirt Female, trained by Brad Cox.
- Moira: Champion Female Turf Horse, a Canadian-bred star who won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
- Immersive: Champion Two-Year-Old Filly, bred and owned by Godolphin.
- Snap Decision: Champion Steeplechase Horse, winning two Grade 1 events at the age of 10.
The human awards were equally inspiring, with Erik Asmussen being named Outstanding Apprentice Jockey. The Texas native won 127 races and earned over $5 million in 2024, following in the footsteps of his accomplished family.
What’s Next for Thorpedo Anna?
With her 2024 successes cementing her place in history, fans are eagerly anticipating Thorpedo Anna’s return to the track in 2025. As a 4-year-old, she is expected to compete in some of the biggest races, further adding to her legacy.
Thorpedo Anna’s 2024 season will be remembered as one of the greatest in horse racing history. From her Kentucky Oaks triumph to her dominance against the best fillies and colts, she has set a new standard for excellence. With her place in history secured, Thorpedo Anna represents not just the spirit of competition, but also the incredible potential of Thoroughbred racing.
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