Each January, the leading lights of North American Thoroughbred racing gather to recognize the very best achievements of the previous year in an event that serves as the industry’s equivalent to the Academy Awards.

Named after the legendary 18th-century English racehorse and sire, Eclipse, the Eclipse Awards began in 1971 following the consolidation of various championship honors bestowed to horses, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys. The event has grown in importance and prestige each year.

On Jan. 25, 2024, the 53rd annual Eclipse Awards will be held at The Breakers Palm Beach in South Florida, welcoming industry figures and fans alike for an evening of celebration. The Eclipse Awards are voted on by racing officials from racetracks and organizations that are members of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form, Equibase field personnel, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB). The awards are presented to horses from a variety of age groups and specialties – topped by the Horse of the Year award – as well as to human competitors in the categories mentioned above. An Eclipse Award is also given to the winner of the National Horseplayers Championship in Las Vegas, and several awards are also given to media members to honor achievements in covering Thoroughbred racing.

Meghan Rodgers, director of communications for NTRA, recently discussed the history of the Eclipse Awards and what’s in store for the upcoming ceremony honoring 2023’s champions in a Q&A with America’s Best Racing.

Q: How have the Eclipse Awards evolved over the past half-century, and what does winning an Eclipse Award represent within the industry and to the public?

For more than 50 years, the Eclipse Awards ceremony in January has been the capstone event in Thoroughbred racing to highlight the previous years’ exhilarating victories in both equine and human categories, 17 in all. Just like the Academy Awards does for the film industry, the Eclipse Awards takes us on a journey of our ever-evolving sport and gives greater appreciation to the successes that occur throughout its history. Winning an Eclipse Award undoubtedly means something different to each individual who is bestowed an honor. The Award solidifies a place in racing history, which for many is the culmination of a lifelong love and passion for the sport.

Q: Thoroughbred racing is a sport steeped in tradition. How have the Eclipse Awards contributed to that rich history?

Thoroughbred racing is America’s oldest sport, and is truly a pastime that has been enjoyed by generation after generation. Something that ingrained in the fabric of this country deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated as such. Each year, the Eclipse Awards honors that rich history and serves as a reminder of the storied past that brings us to today.     

The connections of 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline. (NTRA/Horsephotos.com)

Q: In some years, the race for Horse of the Year is wrapped up weeks or months before the Eclipse Awards ceremony due to a dominant season, Flightline just a year ago being an example. But this year there’ll be some suspense. How do you assess this year’s leading Horse of the Year candidates?

This year the Horse of the Year field is wide open, as there are so many horses who had really successful years. Voters have some difficult choices. From Idiomatic, to Arcangelo, to Cody’s Wish, to White Abarrio, and a top turf horse in Up to the Mark … it’s really anyone’s race.

Q: How does the voting process work for the Eclipse Awards – how are final nominees determined and are there any rules and restrictions on nominating and making final votes?

There are no select nominees determined in advance of the Eclipse Awards. Voters may choose any horse they would like as long as it made at least one start during the year in the United States or Canada. Voters are required to pick their top three choices in each category. The top three horses or people receiving the most points determines the finalists in the 17 categories. However, winners in each category are determined solely on the basis of first-place votes.    

Q: The award presentations and speeches are only a small part of this event. What’s being planned for the big ceremony at The Breakers Palm Beach in January, and how does it tie in with the Pegasus World Cup festivities at nearby Gulfstream Park?     

Musicians at Eclipse Award cocktail party at The Breakers. (NTRA/Horsephotos.com)

The NTRA is very excited to bring the Eclipse Awards to The Breakers Palm Beach for the second consecutive year, and for the event to run just before the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. Having the whole of the industry together in South Florida for these two annual events is a perfect pairing and makes for a great long weekend.

On Thursday, on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, the NTRA will again be hosting a Sip and Shop event, where local businesses participate in giving out exclusive Eclipse Awards discounts and deals, with a percentage of proceeds going to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. If shopping isn’t of interest, there are a number of excellent golf courses in the area to enjoy during the day.

Thursday evening will kick off with the red carpet and cocktail party at The Breakers, followed by the awards show and after party. Then, Friday guests can leisurely make their way down to Gulfstream Park, which will on Saturday host the Pegasus World Cup.

Coupling these two events together is so natural and we are hopeful that everyone will take advantage of coming to Florida and enjoying some sunshine.

Q: How can people get tickets for the 53rd Eclipse Awards, and do you have any tips for planning a trip to the ceremony?     

The Cocktail Party at the 2023 Eclipse Awards. (NTRA/Horsephotos.com)

Our website is your one stop shop for all things Eclipse Awards – just visit www.ntra.com/eclipse-awards for all the information. Here you’ll be able to buy tickets, book your accommodations at a variety of area hotels, and learn more about all the weekend’s events.

In addition to everything mentioned in the previous response, we have a guide put together by Tara Rooney, NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney’s wife, as she knows Palm Beach better than anyone. Tara can recommend all the best places to make dinner reservations, to go for cocktails, and where to spend time while in the area.

For any specific questions regarding travel, accommodations, or anything else, Michele Ravencraft with the NTRA is ready and able to assist. We want all our guests to have a great weekend and will help however possible.