The Eclipse Awards, Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious event, witnessed a monumental victory as the exceptional filly Thorpedo Anna was crowned Horse of the Year. In a historical feat, the 3-year-old phenom became only the second filly of her age to claim the top honor over elite male rivals.
Thorpedo Anna’s Meteoric Rise
Under the masterful guidance of trainer Ken McPeek, Thorpedo Anna embarked on a record-shattering campaign in 2024. The filly’s trajectory was nothing short of meteoric as she amassed an astonishing six Grade 1 triumphs, including a scintillating performance in the esteemed Kentucky Oaks.
Her sole defeat came in a thrilling rendition of the Travers Stakes, where she finished a valiant second to the formidable Fierceness. Undeterred, Thorpedo Anna’s consistency and brilliance throughout the season solidified her status as a bona fide superstar.
Making History
Thorpedo Anna’s coronation as Horse of the Year marked a significant milestone in the annals of racing history. She joined the illustrious ranks of Rachel Alexandra, who achieved the same feat in 2009, as the only 3-year-old fillies to reign supreme over their male counterparts for the sport’s ultimate accolade.
“What Thorpedo Anna accomplished this year is nothing short of extraordinary,” marveled her ecstatic trainer, Ken McPeek. “She consistently rose to every challenge and proved herself a true champion. This honor is a testament to her incredible talent and indomitable spirit.”
A Dominant Display
In the Horse of the Year voting, Thorpedo Anna’s brilliance was undeniable. She garnered an overwhelming 193 out of 240 first-place votes, leaving her rivals in the dust. The Breeders’ Cup Classic victor Sierra Leone settled for a distant second with 10 votes, while Travers winner Fierceness mustered a meager five.
Accolades Galore
The Eclipse Awards showered recognition upon the industry’s luminaries:
- Chad Brown clinched his fifth Outstanding Trainer title
- Flavien Prat earned Outstanding Jockey honors
- Erik Asmussen, son of legendary trainer Steve Asmussen, was named Outstanding Apprentice Jockey
- Godolphin LLC and Stud swept the Outstanding Owner and Breeder categories
A Night to Remember
As the star-studded event unfolded at the opulent The Breakers Palm Beach, the racing community united in celebration of Thorpedo Anna’s historic achievement. The filly’s connections reveled in the moment, their elation palpable as they basked in the well-deserved adulation.
Thorpedo Anna’s triumph at the Eclipse Awards not only cements her place in the pantheon of racing greats but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for the sport. Her unwavering spirit, boundless talent, and age-defying accomplishments have captivated fans worldwide, igniting a renewed fervor for the “Sport of Kings.”
As the curtain falls on a unforgettable evening, the racing world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in Thorpedo Anna’s spellbinding saga. With history already rewritten, the question on everyone’s lips is, “What astonishing feat will this extraordinary filly achieve next?”
