Thorpedo Anna, a star in the world of horse racing, has been named Horse of the Year for 2024. This amazing filly dominated her competition all year, proving herself as one of the greatest. Here’s a look at her incredible season, key victories, and what makes her achievement so special.
A Stellar Season for Thorpedo Anna
Thorpedo Anna, trained by Kenny McPeek and owned by Brookdale Racing Inc., Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks, and Magdalena Racing, had an almost perfect season in 2024. The only time she didn’t win was in the GI Travers Stakes, where she finished second to Fierceness, a strong male rival.
However, against other female horses, Thorpedo Anna was unbeatable. She won four major Grade I races for 3-year-old fillies and ended the season with a big victory in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. In this race, she defeated older champion Raging Sea by 2 1/2 lengths. Her brilliant performances made her the first female to win Horse of the Year since Havre de Grace in 2011.
Breaking Barriers and Making History
Thorpedo Anna is also the first champion for her late sire, Fast Anna. She was purchased as a yearling for just $40,000 at the Fasig-Tipton October sale, making her success even more remarkable. With six wins in seven races, she showed incredible speed, stamina, and heart throughout the season.
This unanimous selection as Champion 3-Year-Old Filly and Horse of the Year highlights her dominance. She joins the ranks of legendary horses that have redefined what fillies can achieve in the sport.
Other Eclipse Award Winners
The Eclipse Awards celebrate the best in horse racing, and Thorpedo Anna wasn’t the only star of the night. In the 3-year-old male division, Sierra Leone, a talented colt trained by Chad Brown, took the title. He won the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic in a thrilling finish against Fierceness, solidifying his place at the top.
For 2-year-olds, Citizen Bull (colt) and Immersive (filly) claimed titles after impressive Breeders’ Cup wins. Meanwhile, Rebel’s Romance, a 6-year-old turf horse, and Moira, a female turf standout, were honored for their excellent performances.
Top jockey Flavien Prat, who rode Sierra Leone and other champions, was named Outstanding Jockey for the first time, while Erik Asmussen was recognized as the top apprentice jockey.
What’s Next for Thorpedo Anna?
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Thorpedo Anna in action again. She’s expected to return to racing as a 4-year-old, with the GI Apple Blossom Handicap being a potential starting point. With her talent and proven track record, she’s likely to dominate again in 2025.
Thorpedo Anna’s 2024 season was one for the history books. From her dominant victories to becoming the first filly in over a decade to win Horse of the Year, she has inspired horse racing fans worldwide. Her story also shows that champions can come from humble beginnings, as she was a bargain purchase who proved her worth on the track.
As Thorpedo Anna continues her journey in 2025, the racing world will eagerly follow her path. With the support of her connections and a proven ability to shine on the biggest stages, her future looks as bright as ever.
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