Staff Writer |
Rebel's Romance and Immersive head an impressive septet of Godolphin nominations for the 2024 Eclipse Awards, with both carrying strong credentials into the prestigious ceremony. The Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel's Romance made history in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar, becoming the first dual non-consecutive winner of the race.
2YO sensation Immersive, trained by Brad Cox, completed a perfect campaign with three top-level victories. The Nyquist filly's triumphant march through the Gr.1 Spinaway Stakes, Gr.1 Darley Alcibiades Stakes and Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies puts her in pole position for championship honours. Stablemate Good Cheer maintained her unblemished record with a commanding performance in the Gr.2 Golden Rod Stakes.
Cinderella's Dream stands out as a dual finalist, featuring in both the Champion Female Turf Horse and Champion Three-Year-Old Filly divisions. The Shamardal filly's summer campaign peaked with victories in the Gr.1 Belmont Oaks and Gr.2 Saratoga Oaks, before a gallant second in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Supporting their equine talent's achievements, Godolphin's remarkable year saw them amass US$20m in prize money across North America, including 32 Graded Stakes victories. Their breeding operation, seeking a fourth consecutive Outstanding Breeder title, produced 26 Graded Stakes winners from their homebred programme.
The Palm Beach ceremony on January 23 will also reveal the Horse of the Year finalists, a title claimed by Cody's Wish in 2023. Godolphin, having secured the Outstanding Owner award for the past four years, appears well-positioned to extend their dominance following their record-breaking season.