The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), along with the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB) and Daily Racing Form, announced the finalists for the 2025 Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in Thoroughbred racing over the past year. The winners across 17 categories encompassing horses and individuals will be revealed on Thursday, January 22nd at 7:30 PM ET during the 55th annual awards ceremony, broadcast live on FanDuel TV and other media platforms. The event, supported by sponsors including John Deere, The Jockey Club, and NTRA, will culminate in the announcement of the 2025 Horse of the Year.
Out of 240 eligible voters from racetrack officials and Equibase staff, 221 (92%) cast their votes, ranking their top three picks using a 10-5-1 points system, though winners are decided solely on first-place votes. The 2025 finalists, listed alphabetically by category, include notable contenders such as Brandt and Gstaad (UK) for 2-year-old males, Cyfair and Explore for 2-year-old fillies, and others across age, race types, and roles including owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys. The Horse of the Year finalists will be revealed live during the ceremony, where Dan Piazza will also be honored with the Eclipse Award. Additionally, media professionals will be celebrated in six reporting categories.
These awards pay homage to Eclipse, the legendary 18th-century racehorse known for his undefeated career and significant influence on horse breeding, with 344 winning offspring, including three Epsom Derby champions. More details are available at https://www.ntra.com/eclipse-awards/.
Fan Take: The Eclipse Awards spotlight the finest talents and achievements in horse racing, fueling fan excitement and appreciation for the sport’s heritage and future. Recognizing both equine and human excellence helps maintain high standards and inspires ongoing passion among racing enthusiasts.
