Nuanced Eclipse Award Voting: Beyond Grade 1 Wins

BloodHorse Monday · December 29, 2025 · Listen to Original Episode →

Original Title:

TL;DR

The Eclipse Awards voting process requires careful consideration of a horse's entire resume, including consistency, versatility across distances and surfaces, and head-to-head performance against rivals, rather than solely focusing on Grade 1 wins.
A horse's performance in North America is paramount for Eclipse Award consideration, with international horses needing multiple starts on U.S. soil to be seriously considered for year-end championships.
The quality of competition faced is a critical factor, with wins against top rivals in major races carrying more weight than victories in less competitive fields.
While Grade 1 wins are significant, voters may weigh Grade 2 and 3 races more heavily if they represent the pinnacle of competition for a specific division.
The "and then what?" of voting involves considering the implications of a horse's campaign on the sport's narrative, such as Journalism's impact on Triple Crown race interest.
Voters may prioritize horses that demonstrate sustained excellence throughout the year, even if they lack a single dominant performance, reflecting a nuanced approach to championship selection.
The selection of champions can be influenced by a voter's personal methodology, such as valuing a horse's ability to compete across different surfaces or their impact on the sport's broader appeal.

Deep Dive

The core argument of this episode of BloodHorse Monday is that selecting Eclipse Award winners involves a nuanced evaluation of thoroughbred racing performance, balancing statistical achievement with the quality of competition and the significance of major races. The discussion highlights how different voters weigh these factors, leading to varied perspectives on champions across various divisions, ultimately underscoring the subjective yet rigorous nature of determining the year's top equine athletes.

The debate over Eclipse Award selections reveals a tension between raw statistical dominance and the qualitative assessment of competition. For instance, in the Male Turf category, the discussion around Notable Speech, Deterministic, and Rebel's Romance hinges on the perceived importance of their wins. Notable Speech's victories in the Woodbine Mile and Breeders' Cup Turf Mile are weighted heavily due to the high caliber of these races, illustrating how specific events can elevate a horse's candidacy beyond mere win-loss records. This emphasis on race quality implies that not all wins are created equal, and voters must discern which achievements represent true divisional supremacy.

Furthermore, the analysis of the Older Dirt Male division demonstrates the complexities of judging horses with overlapping resumes and head-to-head matchups. The debate between Fierceness, Mindframe, and Sierra Leone showcases how voters grapple with horses that have beaten each other, forcing a decision on whether consistency, individual wins, or direct competition carries more weight. This implies that voters are not just identifying the best horse, but also the horse whose campaign best exemplifies the spirit of championship racing, considering factors like overcoming adversity or demonstrating versatility.

The conversation also touches upon the significance of a horse's campaign within the context of North American racing. Sean's insistence on horses running multiple times in North America to be considered for awards, even if they won international events like the Breeders' Cup, points to a desire to honor horses that contribute to and prove themselves within the domestic circuit. This perspective suggests that while global success is impressive, the Eclipse Awards are fundamentally about recognizing excellence within the North American racing landscape, implying a need for sustained presence and performance on this continent.

Finally, the differing opinions on Horse of the Year, particularly the debate between Sovereignty and Forever Young, highlight the divergence in how voters perceive the ultimate prize. While Sovereignty's dominance within the three-year-old division and wins in major Triple Crown races are undeniable, Forever Young's victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic, despite limited North American starts, prompts a discussion about whether a single, spectacular performance against top international competition can outweigh a more extensive, albeit domestically focused, campaign. This suggests that the Horse of the Year award can be influenced by a voter's philosophy on the relative importance of domestic dominance versus international impact.

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Key Quotes

"Yeah, I mean, well, what I'm looking for, I think one of the things I've realized doing this over the last few years is it, it just the realities of modern racing is it's not always there, like, at all in some of these categories. You're looking for sort of a, a thickness, a depth in the, in the resume of, of these horses and then a consistency with that."

Steve Kornacki explains his approach to evaluating horses for awards, emphasizing the importance of a deep and consistent resume. He notes that in some categories, the depth of competition may be limited, requiring a focus on the overall body of work rather than just a few standout performances.

"I learned, um, not not to vote for the long distance marathon horse if for older dirt male because only four other people joined me voting next last year for older dirt male."

Sean Collins shares a lesson learned from the previous year's voting process, highlighting how a specific voting strategy did not resonate with other voters. This indicates that understanding the broader voting landscape is crucial for successful award selections.

"I personally have to run multiple times in North America in order for me to consider you for these awards. I think this is the North American championship awards. If you just shipped in for the for an international event like the Breeders' Cup, won and left, I don't really consider you for any of these awards."

Sean Collins outlines a personal criterion for considering horses for North American awards, emphasizing the need for multiple starts within the continent. This rule aims to distinguish between horses that are primarily campaigned internationally and those that are consistently competing within North America.

"I think beating the boys and older males in a Breeders' Cup race matters. I also think she won at Gulfstream, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Downs, and Del Mar this year. She ran seven times this year, she won five of them."

Louis Robeau argues for the significance of a horse's performance against male and older competition, particularly in major races like the Breeders' Cup. He also highlights the versatility and consistent success across multiple venues as key factors in his evaluation.

"I think the two races that that horse won are in the top five of most important turf races in North America for me. I think of the Woodbine Mile as their best race of the year every year and I think of the Breeders' Cup Turf Mile on that side as being one of those races where it isn't just Europeans that have a chance."

Louis Robeau identifies two specific turf races, the Woodbine Mile and the Breeders' Cup Turf Mile, as highly significant within North America. He values these races because they are seen as competitive for both European and North American horses, indicating a high level of competition.

"I think the fact that this is a Hazelwood is a 17-year-old who just got here and is dominating the way he is on that circuit and starting to ride well elsewhere, I thought that's, you know, when you're looking at this category, that's to me that's a true apprentice success story."

Steve Kornacki explains his reasoning for selecting Jezi Hazelwood as the top apprentice jockey, focusing on his young age and immediate success. He contrasts this with other apprentices who may have more experience or statistical advantages but lack the same narrative of a true emerging talent.

Resources

External Resources

Books

Stallion Registry - Mentioned as a publication that the hosts enjoy reading.

Articles & Papers

"Our Eclipse Award Selections Featuring Steve Kornacki | E048" (BloodHorse Monday) - This is the title of the podcast episode being discussed.

People

Steve Kornacki - Guest on the podcast, from NBC, discussing Eclipse Award ballots.
Louie Rabaut - Host of BloodHorse Monday.
Sean Collins - Host of BloodHorse Monday.
Frank Angst - Editor of BloodHorse, providing thoughts on Horse of the Year.
Michael Bahan - Mentioned as joining the program next week to discuss the return of a horse.
Kevin Cole - Mentioned in a previous episode discussing NFL analytics.
Barry Sanders - Mentioned as a player from the past.
Coach K - Mentioned as an example of a coach who did not retire in a conventional manner.
Ryan Seacrest - Mentioned in relation to New Year's Eve activities.
Will - Mentioned in relation to an interview about a horse.
Aaron Wellman - Mentioned as part of the Eclipse third partners.
Wayne Lister - Mentioned as a breeder who had top finishers in a past race.
Kristoff - Mentioned in relation to health issues affecting a stable.
Edgar Prado - Mentioned as a talented jockey.
Irad Ortiz Jr. - Jockey mentioned as a top contender for jockey of the year.
Jose Ortiz - Jockey mentioned as having a breakout year.
Luis Saez - Jockey mentioned as a top contender for jockey of the year.
John Velazquez - Jockey mentioned as a top contender for jockey of the year, with a strong meet at Keeneland.
Kendrick Carmouche - Jockey mentioned for winning his 4000th race and his celebration.
Maggie - Mentioned in relation to Kendrick Carmouche's 4000th win celebration.
Brad Cox - Trainer mentioned as leading in earnings and having a successful year.
Bob Baffert - Trainer mentioned as having an under-the-radar great year, with horses shipping to other parts of the country.
D. Wayne Lukas - Trainer mentioned for his passing and his last year of training.
Miguel Clement - Trainer who inherited a stable and had success.
Bill Mott - Trainer mentioned as a potential candidate for credit with a horse's win.
Todd Pletcher - Trainer mentioned as having another really great year.
Mark Casse - Trainer mentioned for consistently having good horses in big races.

Organizations & Institutions

NBC - Mentioned as the affiliation of guest Steve Kornacki.
BloodHorse - Mentioned as the Thoroughbred industry's premier publishing company.
Facebook - Mentioned as a social media platform for BloodHorse.
Instagram - Mentioned as a social media platform for BloodHorse.
TikTok - Mentioned as a social media platform for BloodHorse.
X (formerly Twitter) - Mentioned as a social media platform for BloodHorse.
NFL (National Football League) - Mentioned in relation to Steve Kornacki's affiliation.
Patriots - Mentioned as a football team.
Lions - Mentioned as a football team.
Giants - Mentioned as a football team.
Repole - Mentioned as an owner of a horse.
Baffert barn - Mentioned in relation to horses trained by Bob Baffert.
Clarevitt Stables - Mentioned as a racing stable.
Spendthrift - Mentioned as a racing stable.
Coolmore - Mentioned as a racing team.
Winstar - Mentioned as a racing stable.
Eclipse Committee - Mentioned in relation to voting for awards.
Drf (Daily Racing Form) - Mentioned as a source for past performances.
NCAA - Mentioned in relation to tournament expansion.
Kentucky Derby - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Preakness Stakes - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Belmont Stakes - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Breeders' Cup Classic - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Woody Stevens Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Jerkins Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Appellation Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Edgewood Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Alabama Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Spinster Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Breeders' Cup Distaff - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Derby City Distaff - Mentioned as a horse race.
Maryland Million - Mentioned as a racing event.
King's Plate - Mentioned as a major horse race in Canada.
Hunterwood Memorial - Mentioned as a horse race.
Aqueduct - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Gulfstream Park - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Keeneland - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Churchill Downs - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Del Mar - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Santa Anita - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Saratoga - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Belmont Day - Mentioned as a racing day.
Oaklawn - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Ascot - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Woodbine Mile - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Breeders' Cup Turf Mile - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Turf Classic - Mentioned as a horse race.
Ep Taylor Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Diana Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Philly Mile Turf - Mentioned as a horse race.
QE2 Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Misses Revere Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Arlington Million - Mentioned as a horse race.
Frank Kilroe Mile - Mentioned as a horse race.
Hollywood Derby - Mentioned as a horse race.
American Turf Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Turf Paradise - Mentioned as a racetrack.
Pennsylvania - Mentioned as a location.
Dubai World Cup - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Pioneer Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Derby City Distaff - Mentioned as a horse race.
Maryland Sprint Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Jeff Hall Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Vanderbilt Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
True North Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Maryland Sprint - Mentioned as a horse race.
Smith Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Iroquois Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
William McKnight Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Grand National - Mentioned as a horse race.
Pegaus Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Jockey Club Gold Cup - Mentioned as a horse race.
Whitney Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Stephen Foster Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Pacific Classic - Mentioned as a horse race.
Met Mile - Mentioned as a horse race.
Personal Ensign Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Florida Derby - Mentioned as a horse race.
Apple Blossom Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Azari Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
La Conndada Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Hold Me Mile Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Zenyatta Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Derby City Distaff - Mentioned as a horse race.
Gyber Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Ballerina Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
TCA Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Priorist Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Queen Maxima - Mentioned as a horse.
Woodbine - Mentioned as a racetrack.
NYRA - Mentioned as a racing organization.
Kentucky Oaks - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Travers Stakes - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Haskell Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Breeders' Cup Sprint - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Breeders' Cup Distaff - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Breeders' Cup Turf - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Breeders' Cup Mile - Mentioned as a major horse race.
Breeders' Cup - Mentioned as a major horse racing event.
Del Mar Futurity - Mentioned as a horse race.
Remsen Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Bourbon Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Oak Tree Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Del Mar Debutante - Mentioned as a horse race.
Golden Rod Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Belmont Oaks - Mentioned as a horse race.
Ashland Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Acorn Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Spinsters Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Derby City Distaff - Mentioned as a horse race.
Jockey Club Gold Cup - Mentioned as a horse race.
Whitney Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Stephen Foster Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Pacific Classic - Mentioned as a horse race.
Met Mile - Mentioned as a horse race.
Personal Ensign Stakes - Mentioned as a horse race.
Florida Derby - Mentioned as a horse race.
**Apple Blossom