Every January, the main lights of North American Thoroughbred racing collect to acknowledge the perfect achievements of the earlier 12 months in an occasion that serves because the trade’s equal to the Academy Awards.

Named after the legendary 18th-century English racehorse and sire, Eclipse, the Eclipse Awards started in 1971 following the consolidation of assorted championship honors bestowed to horses, homeowners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys. The occasion has grown in significance and status every year.

On Jan. 25, 2024, the 53rd annual Eclipse Awards might be held at The Breakers Palm Seaside in South Florida, welcoming trade figures and followers alike for a night of celebration. The Eclipse Awards are voted on by racing officers from racetracks and organizations which can be members of the Nationwide Thoroughbred Racing Affiliation (NTRA), Every day Racing Type, Equibase subject personnel, and the Nationwide Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB). The awards are introduced to horses from a wide range of age teams and specialties – topped by the Horse of the 12 months award – in addition to to human opponents within the classes talked about above. An Eclipse Award can be given to the winner of the Nationwide Horseplayers Championship in Las Vegas, and several other awards are additionally given to media members to honor achievements in protecting Thoroughbred racing.

Meghan Rodgers, director of communications for NTRA, not too long ago mentioned the historical past of the Eclipse Awards and what’s in retailer for the upcoming ceremony honoring 2023’s champions in a Q&A with America’s Greatest Racing.

Q: How have the Eclipse Awards developed over the previous half-century, and what does successful an Eclipse Award signify throughout the trade and to the general public?

For greater than 50 years, the Eclipse Awards ceremony in January has been the capstone occasion in Thoroughbred racing to spotlight the earlier years’ exhilarating victories in each equine and human classes, 17 in all. Similar to the Academy Awards does for the movie trade, the Eclipse Awards takes us on a journey of our ever-evolving sport and offers better appreciation to the successes that happen all through its historical past. Successful an Eclipse Award undoubtedly means one thing totally different to every particular person who’s bestowed an honor. The Award solidifies a spot in racing historical past, which for a lot of is the fruits of a lifelong love and fervour for the game.

Q: Thoroughbred racing is a sport steeped in custom. How have the Eclipse Awards contributed to that wealthy historical past?

Thoroughbred racing is America’s oldest sport, and is really a pastime that has been loved by technology after technology. One thing that ingrained within the material of this nation deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated as such. Every year, the Eclipse Awards honors that wealthy historical past and serves as a reminder of the storied previous that brings us to at this time.     

Q: In some years, the race for Horse of the 12 months is wrapped up weeks or months earlier than the Eclipse Awards ceremony resulting from a dominant season, Flightline only a 12 months in the past being an instance. However this 12 months there’ll be some suspense. How do you assess this 12 months’s main Horse of the 12 months candidates?

This 12 months the Horse of the 12 months subject is large open, as there are such a lot of horses who had actually profitable years. Voters have some troublesome decisions. From Idiomatic, to Arcangelo, to Cody’s Want, to White Abarrio, and a high turf horse in As much as the Mark … it’s actually anybody’s race.

Q: How does the voting course of work for the Eclipse Awards – how are remaining nominees decided and are there any guidelines and restrictions on nominating and making remaining votes?

There are not any choose nominees decided prematurely of the Eclipse Awards. Voters might select any horse they want so long as it made a minimum of one begin in the course of the 12 months in america or Canada. Voters are required to choose their high three decisions in every class. The highest three horses or individuals receiving essentially the most factors determines the finalists within the 17 classes. Nevertheless, winners in every class are decided solely on the idea of first-place votes.    

Q: The award shows and speeches are solely a small a part of this occasion. What’s being deliberate for the massive ceremony at The Breakers Palm Seaside in January, and the way does it tie in with the Pegasus World Cup festivities at close by Gulfstream Park?     

The NTRA may be very excited to carry the Eclipse Awards to The Breakers Palm Seaside for the second consecutive 12 months, and for the occasion to run simply earlier than the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. Having the entire of the trade collectively in South Florida for these two annual occasions is an ideal pairing and makes for an incredible lengthy weekend.

On Thursday, on Price Avenue in Palm Seaside, the NTRA will once more be internet hosting a Sip and Store occasion, the place native companies take part in giving out unique Eclipse Awards reductions and offers, with a share of proceeds going to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. If procuring isn’t of curiosity, there are a variety of fantastic golf programs within the space to get pleasure from in the course of the day.

Thursday night will kick off with the crimson carpet and cocktail get together at The Breakers, adopted by the awards present and after get together. Then, Friday company can leisurely make their method all the way down to Gulfstream Park, which is able to on Saturday host the Pegasus World Cup.

Coupling these two occasions collectively is so pure and we’re hopeful that everybody will make the most of coming to Florida and having fun with some sunshine.

Q: How can individuals get tickets for the 53rd Eclipse Awards, and do you will have any ideas for planning a visit to the ceremony?     

Our web site is your one cease store for all issues Eclipse Awards – simply go to www.ntra.com/eclipse-awards for all the data. Right here you’ll be capable to purchase tickets, e book your lodging at a wide range of space accommodations, and study extra about all of the weekend’s occasions.

Along with every thing talked about within the earlier response, we now have a information put collectively by Tara Rooney, NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney’s spouse, as she is aware of Palm Seaside higher than anybody. Tara can suggest all the very best locations to make dinner reservations, to go for cocktails, and the place to spend time whereas within the space.

For any particular questions relating to journey, lodging, or anything, Michele Ravencraft with the NTRA is prepared and in a position to help. We wish all our company to have an incredible weekend and can assist nevertheless doable.