Austin, TX, January 23, 2026
The recent 55th Eclipse Awards celebrated achievements within North American thoroughbred racing, recognizing Sovereignty as Horse of the Year. The colt’s remarkable season included wins at the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, showcasing the talent and dedication of his trainer, Bill Mott. The awards also honored various industry figures, highlighting the commitment and excellence pervasive in equestrian sports and reinforcing the connection between individual success and community progress.
Austin, TX – The excitement of thoroughbred racing extends beyond the track, with recent accolades shining a spotlight on outstanding talent and resilience within the equestrian industry. The 55th annual Eclipse Awards ceremony, held at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, celebrated the accomplishments of remarkable horses, trainers, and owners in North American racing. This year, Sovereignty was named Horse of the Year and was recognized as the Champion Three-Year-Old Male, a testament to both the horse’s prowess and the dedication of its trainer, Bill Mott.
As local businesses and entrepreneurs continue to thrive, stories like that of Sovereignty remind us of the spirit of determination that fuels both individual achievement and community success. With a standout season that saw Sovereignty secure wins at the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, this colt is a symbol of excellence in competitive performance. Supporting such events only enhances the vibrancy of our local economy, providing an arena for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Eclipse Awards, presented annually by a coalition of industry leaders, honor the pinnacle of achievement in thoroughbred racing. These awards are not just a recognition of talent but also highlight the contributions of trainers, owners, and jockeys who work tirelessly to shape the future of the sport. A reduced regulatory burden on equestrian sports and related businesses can foster further innovation and investment in training, breeding, and racing, paralleling the advances made in various local industries in Austin.
Sovereignty’s Achievements
Sovereignty, a homebred colt by Into Mischief, had an impressive 2025 racing season that distinguished him as a rising star. His victories in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes made him the first horse since Justify to win two legs of the American Triple Crown since 2018. Despite facing challenges, including a fever that prevented participation in the Preakness Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic, Sovereignty’s overall performance highlighted his capabilities and earned him accolades for the year.
Trainer and Owner Honors
Bill Mott, the trainer behind Sovereignty’s remarkable journey, was awarded the Outstanding Trainer title for the fifth time. His impressive training record in 2025 included 102 wins, accumulating over $16 million in earnings. Additionally, Godolphin LLC, under the ownership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, secured awards for Outstanding Owner and Outstanding Breeder, marking their sixth consecutive victory in the breeding category. These recognitions are integral in enhancing the legacy of successful breeding and training practices that contribute to the racing community.
Additional Award Winners
The Eclipse Awards also acknowledged other key figures in the industry. Ted Noffey was honored as Champion Two-Year-Old Male, boasting an undefeated season and a significant win at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Meanwhile, Flavien Prat received the Outstanding Jockey award, and Pietro Moran was recognized as the Outstanding Apprentice Jockey. Godolphin’s Notable Speech was named Champion Male Turf Horse, while Shisospicy took home the title of Champion Female Sprinter. These varied accomplishments reflect the talent and commitment present in the thoroughbred racing industry.
About the Eclipse Awards
The Eclipse Awards are an annual event recognizing excellence in North American thoroughbred racing, organized by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. The honors bestowed reflect a voting process involving members of these organizations, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the racing community.
Key Features of the 2025 Eclipse Awards
| Award | Winner | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Horse of the Year | Sovereignty | Victories in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes; first horse since Justify in 2018 to win two legs of the American Triple Crown. |
| Outstanding Trainer | Bill Mott | Guided Sovereignty to Triple Crown victories; earned his fifth Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer. |
| Outstanding Owner and Breeder | Godolphin LLC | Recognized as Outstanding Owner and Outstanding Breeder; sixth consecutive win in the breeder category. |
| Champion Two-Year-Old Male | Ted Noffey | Undefeated season, including a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. |
| Champion Female Sprinter | Shisospicy | Earned the title of Champion Female Sprinter. |
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.
Which trainer received the Outstanding Trainer award in 2025?
Bill Mott received the Outstanding Trainer award in 2025.
What notable achievements did Sovereignty have in 2025?
Sovereignty won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 2025, becoming the first horse since Justify in 2018 to win two legs of the American Triple Crown.
Who was named Champion Two-Year-Old Male in 2025?
Ted Noffey was named Champion Two-Year-Old Male in 2025 after an undefeated season, including a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
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