Chad Brown has reclaimed his spot as North America’s leading trainer by earnings, showcasing a stellar year of victories, consistency, and top-tier horse performances. With over $30.8 million in earnings and multiple Grade 1 victories, Brown’s achievements reaffirm his dominance in the sport of horse racing.
Chad Brown’s Triumphant Return
In 2024, Chad Brown’s stable achieved total purse earnings of $30,866,710, marking the third time he surpassed $30 million in a year. This is the sixth time since 2016 that Brown has led North America in earnings. His horses posted a record of 211 wins, 160 seconds, and 130 thirds from 925 starts, making him one of the most consistent and successful trainers of the year.
The Star of the Season: Sierra Leone
Brown’s year was powered by his standout 3-year-old, Sierra Leone, who topped all runners in North American earnings with $5,911,250. Sierra Leone narrowly missed winning the Kentucky Derby, finishing a heartbreaking second by a nose to Mystik Dan. However, the colt bounced back to win the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), defeating older rivals in North America’s richest race.
Brown reflected on Sierra Leone’s resilience and talent:
“To lose the Kentucky Derby by a nose is about as heartbreaking a loss as you can have in horse racing. For him to bounce back, stay consistent, and end the year with a Breeders’ Cup win—it’s a testament to his soundness, mind, and talent.”
Other Grade 1 Achievements
Chad Brown’s barn was filled with talent in 2024. Other Grade 1 winners under his guidance included:
- Chancer McPatrick
- Gina Romantica
- Carl Spackler
- Domestic Product
- Raging Sea
- Ways and Means
- Whitebeam
- Randomized
- Chili Flag
- Program Trading
- Beaute Cachee
These victories highlight Brown’s ability to develop and guide horses to success on racing’s biggest stages.
Top Trainers by Earnings and Wins
While Chad Brown led in earnings, Steve Asmussen, with $29,338,851 in purses, secured the title of North America’s winningest trainer in 2024. Asmussen’s horses earned him 407 wins for the year, adding to his record career total of 10,761 wins as of January 2025.
Other notable earnings leaders included:
- Brad Cox: $28,301,397
- Todd Pletcher: $19,901,016
- Mark Casse: $17,721,580
In terms of win percentage, Edwin Diaz Jr., based in Puerto Rico, led with a 37% win rate, while Midwest trainer Jason Wise excelled with an impressive 55% win rate from 33 starts.
Eclipse Award Finalists
The finalists for the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer are:
- Chad Brown: Aiming for his fifth award.
- Brad Cox: A two-time winner.
- Kenny McPeek: Hoping to secure his first win.
Looking Ahead
Chad Brown’s return to the top is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the exceptional horses he trains. As he eyes another Eclipse Award, his 2024 performance solidifies his place among the greatest trainers in horse racing history.
Chad Brown’s return to the pinnacle of North American horse racing highlights his mastery of the sport. With over $30 million in earnings, standout performances like Sierra Leone’s Breeders’ Cup win, and consistent results across hundreds of starts, Brown’s 2024 campaign exemplifies excellence. As the Eclipse Awards approach, Brown stands as a leading contender, ready to add another chapter to his storied career.
Visit Home