Palm Beach, January 23, 2026
The 55th annual Eclipse Awards recognized Sovereignty as Horse of the Year, highlighting a stellar season for thoroughbred racing. The event, hosted at the Breakers Hotel, emphasized community spirit and reduced regulatory burdens benefiting the industry. Godolphin also excelled, with accolades for Outstanding Owner and Outstanding Breeder, showcasing the significance of investment in equestrian success.
Sovereignty Shines at 2025 Eclipse Awards in Palm Beach
Horse of the Year and top accolades highlight a stellar season for thoroughbred racing.
Palm Beach, Fla. — The 55th annual Eclipse Awards ceremony celebrated the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing excellence, with Sovereignty named Horse of the Year and Champion Three-Year-Old Male. The event took place at the elegant Breakers Hotel, where the accomplishments of not only horses but also their owners and trainers were recognized. This year’s event demonstrated the unwavering spirit of the racing community and highlighted how reduced regulatory burdens can bolster the industry’s growth.
Owned and bred by Godolphin, Sovereignty’s remarkable 2025 season included victories in prestigious races such as the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes, the Fountain of Youth Stakes, and others. This success underscores the importance of private investment in the sport and showcases the dedication of local equestrians and trainers. Notably, Trainer Bill Mott received the Outstanding Trainer award for his pivotal role in Sovereignty’s triumphs, illustrating the impact strong leadership can have on achieving success in a competitive industry.
Sovereignty’s Stellar Year
Sovereignty, who emerged as a crown jewel in the thoroughbred racing scene, produced a standout performance throughout the 2025 season. Under the expert guidance of Trainer Bill Mott and the skillful rides provided by Junior Alvarado, the homebred colt accumulated victories across multiple top-tier races, culminating in his prestigious accolades at the Eclipse Awards. His impressive earnings further emphasize the economic vitality of the horse racing industry within both local and national contexts.
Godolphin Dominates Awards
In addition to Sovereignty’s individual awards, Godolphin showcased its prowess by securing the titles of Outstanding Owner and Outstanding Breeder. This marks their ninth Eclipse Award as Outstanding Owner and a spectacular sixth consecutive win in the Outstanding Breeder category. With a record $22,395,556 in earnings—including eight Grade 1 victories—Godolphin’s success illustrates the potential for entrepreneurial spirit to drive significant economic contributions within the thoroughbred racing sector.
Noteworthy Winners in Other Categories
The Eclipse Awards honored several other exemplary figures from the 2025 running season. Ted Noffey was recognized as Champion Two-Year-Old Male following an undefeated season and a notable victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Additionally, Flavien Prat earned the commendation of Outstanding Jockey for leading all jockeys with 46 graded stakes wins, including 13 Grade 1 races. The recognition of these talents not only highlights individual achievement but also fosters inspiration within the Louisville community and beyond.
The Significance of the Eclipse Awards
Named after the legendary 18th-century racehorse Eclipse, the Eclipse Awards serve as a key indicator of success within the North American thoroughbred racing scene. Sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, the awards reflect the opinions of industry experts and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the economic growth within the racing industry. The critical recognition of both horses and their connections reinforces the idea that with supportive frameworks, the industry’s potential to thrive is boundless.
Conclusion
The 2025 Eclipse Awards have not merely celebrated individual excellence but also reinforced the importance of community and collaboration within the racing industry. As we witness the success stories stemming from Louisville and its surrounding areas, such achievements remind us of the crucial role that private investment, innovation, and reduced regulation play in encouraging economic growth. As residents, supporting local businesses and remaining engaged with our community’s economic future can lead to even more vibrant successes in the years to come.
FAQ
What are the Eclipse Awards?
The Eclipse Awards are annual honors presented by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and National Turf Writers and Broadcasters to recognize excellence in North American thoroughbred racing.
Who won Horse of the Year at the 2025 Eclipse Awards?
Sovereignty was named Horse of the Year at the 2025 Eclipse Awards.
Who was recognized as Outstanding Trainer at the 2025 Eclipse Awards?
Bill Mott received the Outstanding Trainer award at the 2025 Eclipse Awards.
Which horse was named Champion Two-Year-Old Male?
Ted Noffey was named Champion Two-Year-Old Male at the 2025 Eclipse Awards.
Who won Outstanding Jockey at the 2025 Eclipse Awards?
Flavien Prat earned Outstanding Jockey honors at the 2025 Eclipse Awards.
Key Features
| Award | Recipient | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Horse of the Year | Sovereignty | Homebred colt for Godolphin, won Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 2025. |
| Outstanding Trainer | Bill Mott | Guided Sovereignty to major victories, including the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. |
| Outstanding Owner | Godolphin LLC | Led North American owners with record earnings of $22,395,556 in 2025. |
| Champion Two-Year-Old Male | Ted Noffey | Undefeated season, including a win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. |
| Outstanding Jockey | Flavien Prat | Led all jockeys with 46 graded stakes wins and 13 Grade 1 scores in 2025. |
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