Thorpedo Anna, a 3-year-old filly with a remarkable track record, has been named Horse of the Year at the 54th annual Eclipse Awards. This historic win makes her only the second 3-year-old filly to beat male competitors for this prestigious title, following in the footsteps of Rachel Alexandra, who won in 2009. Let’s dive into her achievements and what this means for horse racing fans.
A Stellar Season for Thorpedo Anna
Trained by Ken McPeek, Thorpedo Anna earned six Grade 1 victories in 2024. Her major wins included the Kentucky Oaks, which solidified her dominance among 3-year-old fillies. She also proved her strength by finishing second to Fierceness in the Travers Stakes, one of the biggest races against male horses.
At the Eclipse Awards, Thorpedo Anna earned 193 of the 240 first-place votes, far outpacing her rivals. Sierra Leone, who won the Breeders’ Cup Classic, received only 10 votes, and Fierceness got five. These results highlight just how exceptional Thorpedo Anna’s year truly was.
Other Big Winners of the Night
The Eclipse Awards also honored other top performers in horse racing:
- Sierra Leone: Won the title of Champion 3-Year-Old Male after an impressive victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. His trainer, Chad Brown, claimed the Eclipse Award for Trainer of the Year, his fifth career win. Brown was also the top money earner among trainers, with over $30 million in prize winnings.
- Flavien Prat: The standout jockey broke Jerry Bailey’s record with 56 graded stakes victories in 2024. Prat won two Breeders’ Cup races, including the Classic, and was named Jockey of the Year.
- Erik Asmussen: The son of legendary trainer Steve Asmussen earned the Apprentice Jockey of the Year award. At just 22 years old, Erik delivered impressive performances throughout the year.
- Godolphin LLC: This powerhouse stable won Outstanding Owner and Top Breeder for the fifth consecutive year.
Other champions included Citizen Bull and Immersive as 2-year-old male and female champions, Rebel’s Romance as Male Turf Horse, and Moira as Female Turf Horse.
Thorpedo Anna’s Legacy and What’s Next
Thorpedo Anna’s achievements represent more than just an amazing season; they mark a turning point in horse racing history. Her dominance against both female and male horses shows that fillies can rise to the top and compete with the best.
Looking ahead, Thorpedo Anna is expected to continue racing in 2025. With her proven track record, she could be one of the most exciting horses to watch in the coming season. Fans and experts alike will eagerly await her return to the track, with races like the GI Apple Blossom Handicap being potential targets.
Thorpedo Anna’s historic win as Horse of the Year highlights her exceptional talent and determination. From her multiple Grade 1 victories to her inspiring performance in the Travers, she has proven to be one of the greatest fillies in recent memory. This achievement not only cements her legacy but also sets a new standard for future champions. As we look forward to her next chapter, it’s clear that Thorpedo Anna has already made her mark on the sport of horse racing.
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