PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Sovereignty earned top honors as Horse of the Year and best 3-year-old colt at Thursday night’s Eclipse Awards. Trainer Bill Mott, who guided Sovereignty to wins in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, was named Trainer of the Year.
Sovereignty skipped the Preakness during the Triple Crown season but claimed victory at the Belmont. Unfortunately, the colt had to withdraw from the Breeders’ Cup Classic due to a fever.
At the 55th annual ceremony held at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Ted Nophy was recognized as the best 2-year-old colt after a stellar season with four wins, including the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Ted Nophy is seen as a strong contender for the upcoming Kentucky Derby in May.
Ted Nophy’s impressive debut came at Saratoga in August, followed by an 8 1/2-length win in the Hopeful Stakes in upstate New York. He then secured a 2 3/4-length victory in the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland and closed out 2025 with a one-length win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar.
Other notable winners included Flavien Prat, who took home the Best Jockey Award, and Pietro Moran, who was named Apprentice Jockey of the Year. Godolphin LLC, the racing and breeding operation owned by Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, earned both Owner and Breeder of the Year honors.
In additional categories, Japanese-bred Forever Young was named the top older dirt stallion, while Danno excelled as a leading male sprinter. British Notable Speech was recognized for turf excellence.
Among fillies, Super Corredora was awarded top 2-year-old filly, Nitrogen as best 3-year-old filly, Torpedo Anna as outstanding older female horse, Shiso Spicy as the best female sprinter, and Seafields Pretty earned turf filly honors. Cool Jet achieved recognition as the top Steeplechase Horse.
The Eclipse Awards, named after the legendary 18th-century racehorse Eclipse, are voted on by members of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and turf writers and broadcasters across the country.
Fan Take: This year’s Eclipse Awards spotlight rising stars and seasoned champions, highlighting the dynamic future and heritage of horse racing. Celebrating these exceptional horses and trainers keeps the sport vibrant and inspires fan excitement leading into the next racing season.
