Godolphin Sets Eclipse Records as Top Owner, Breeder

On the strength and talent of a largely homebred stable, Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin racing and breeding program made Eclipse Award history by capturing its fourth consecutive dual titles as outstanding owner and outstanding breeder. No other individual or organization has earned as many consecutive dual titles since the Eclipse Awards began in 1971. The most recent dual title winners were owner/breeders Ken and Sarah Ramsey, who collected trophies as top owner and breeder for 2013 and 2014. Godolphin set another record for the most Eclipse titles earned with this year's awards raising its total to 13 earned by Sheikh Mohammed under the Godolphin and Darley banners since 2006. Frank Stronach and his Adena Springs breeding operation held the previous record of 12 titles, with Adena Springs honored for five consecutive years as outstanding breeder for 2004-08. Godolphin has now tied that run of five consecutive titles in the outstanding owner category. Godolphin has gone from strength to strength as a leading North American breeder by exceeding in 2024 many of the already stout accomplishments achieved during the 2021-23 racing seasons. Last year, Godolphin-bred runners banked $23,205,149 in earnings in North America and included 23 individual black-type winners. Nineteen of the 23 stakes winners won a graded stakes and all are homebreds that ranged in age from 2 to 6. As an owner, Godolphin raced 104 winners and had 240 finishes in the top three, giving it a 52% win-place-show percentage for its 460 starts. The stable's runners collectively earned $20,234,455, more than second- and third-ranked owners Klaravich Stables and Juddmonte earned combined in 2024. Adding to its accomplishments, Godolphin's eight North American grade 1 winners of 2024 included three that were named as a finalist for Eclipse champion honors. Cinderella's Dream (GB) was a finalist for 3-year-old filly and turf female honors, Immersive was a finalist for 2-year-old filly champion honors, and Rebel's Romance (IRE) was a finalist for turf male honors. "We're in the golden age at the moment," said Michael Banahan, director of bloodstock for Godolphin USA. "It's unbelievable the run of luck we have had the last several years. You wait for the wave to break and send you scrambling again, but you have another impressive year in a different area. We're so fortunate." Banahan said the stable's 2-year-olds were particularly strong last year and raised the bar for the entire operation during the Saratoga Race Course meet. Immersive won the Spinaway Stakes (G1) at Saratoga and then followed with wins in the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) at Keeneland and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Del Mar. East Avenue also won the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland. "The 2-year-olds were the captains of the team and led through this phenomenal golden patch in the fall," he said. "But Sheikh Mohammed put the tools in place for us stallion-wise and mare-wise and we're reaping the rewards from what he's sown," he continued. "And when you work hard, you make your own luck. We have a great team in Kentucky getting the babies safely on the ground, rearing them, and getting them to our pre-trainers who do a great job. Then with our excellent trainers, if you give them the ammunition, they give you results on the racetrack."