The Eclipse Awards are an elite event every year. Picture them as the Oscars of the horse racing world, where the stars have four legs and their talents gallop beyond the ordinary. Named in honor of Eclipse, a legendary 18th-century racehorse unbeaten in his time and a foundational sire whose bloodlines course through the veins of most modern thoroughbreds, the Eclipse Awards have been the pinnacle of accolade since their inception in 1971.
These awards spotlight the racing industry’s crème de la crème of celebrating the swiftest, most resilient, and most remarkable equine athletes, along with the humans who train, ride, and care for them. From Horse of the Year to Champion Two-Year-Old Male or Female, each category is a nod to excellence, a testament to the year’s standout performers in a sport where heart and hustle reign supreme.
This year was notable for the team at horseOlogy when graduate Arcangelo was up for the 3-year-old champion male and won. We wanted to share our red-carpet and black-tie experience so you could see it through our eyes.
Setting the Scene: The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida
Imagine stepping into a world where luxury is the language and opulence the currency; welcome to The Breakers at Palm Beach, Florida. It isn’t just a hotel; it’s a lavish escape into a bygone era of Gilded Age grandeur, where every corner whispers tales of splendor, and every glance offers a spectacle for the senses.
As you approach The Breakers, the Italian Renaissance architecture commands attention, its majestic facade promising an unparalleled experience. The grand entrance, akin to stepping through the gates of a royal palace, ushers you into a realm where the ceilings soar, adorned with hand-painted frescoes that rival the Sistine Chapel in their beauty and intricacy.
The heart of this magnificent resort is its banquet hall, a testament to the pinnacle of luxury events. Under glittering chandeliers, each crystal reflecting stories of grand celebrations, the hall unfolds like a scene from a lavish ball. It was the complete opposite of our day-to-day lives in the barns with the horses.
Glitz and Glamour: Red Carpet Coverage
Before the show, The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, in partnership with FanDuel, produced the red carpet entrances of many luminaries in the thoroughbred industry. Like the Oscars or Grammys, people were dressed in their finest and interviewed as they entered the hotel.
Of course, one of the featured interviews on the Red Carpet was our own Jena Antonucci, who is as no-nonsense as she is eloquent in answering the questions about breaking the glass ceiling as a trainer. Always humble, she immediately gave credit to Arcangelo himself and supported other women in the industry for their contributions and successes.
The Pride of horseOlogy: 3-Year-Old Champion Male Award
While there are many important categories in the Eclipse awards, including Horse of the Year, our hearts were invested in the three-year-old champion male award. Arcangelo was one of three nominees, and I don’t even think we can express our excitement when his name was called the winner.
It’s incredible to see this story unfold over the last few years. To see Arcangelo blossom from a horseOlogy graduate into the champion we knew he could be was outstanding. And the cherry on top of our experience was having him recognized for his achievements in the most prominent award ceremony of the Thoroughbred year. He captured our hearts right from the start, and we are thrilled that he went on to capture the hearts of America.
Some would say our run to the Eclipse Awards was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but we feel differently. Our program and our collaboration with owners means we hope to find ourselves in those seats again, waiting for our horse’s name to be called the winner. We know in our hearts that if we can do it now, we can do it again. And we appreciate everyone for believing in us.
Meet the Ologists
FollowhorseOlogy online and on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about our team, thoroughbreds, and services. Call us at 855-HORSIES (855-467-7437) to set up your visit to our facility.
