The leading contenders for the 2025 Horse of the Year award are Sovereignty and Forever Young (JPN), with additional strong candidates including Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Journalism. This year’s competition is particularly fierce, showcasing some of the best talent in thoroughbred racing.
Top Contenders
Sovereignty: A striking 3-year-old colt, Sovereignty has made a name for himself as the current leader in the NTRA Thoroughbred poll, reflecting his impressive performance on the track. In 2025, he participated in 6 races, achieving a remarkable record of 5 wins and one second-place finish. His major victories include the prestigious Kentucky Derby, the historic Belmont Stakes, and the competitive Travers Stakes, demonstrating his versatility and strength across varying distances. Despite being sidelined from the Breeders’ Cup Classic due to a fever, his consistent high-level performance throughout the year positions him as a top contender for the Horse of the Year award.
Forever Young (JPN): This talented 4-year-old colt, trained in Japan, has made waves in the international racing scene, culminating in his victory at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic—one of the most important races in the calendar year for Horse of the Year contenders. His impressive 2025 record includes three wins from 4 starts, showcasing both his speed and stamina. With significant earnings backing his campaign, Forever Young is indeed a horse to watch as the award approaches.
Sierra Leone: At 4 years old, this colt is the reigning winner of the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic and has continued to perform well in 2025. His record for the year includes five starts, with one win and three second-place finishes, indicating his competitive nature. Notably, he achieved a solid second place in the Stephen Foster Stakes, enhancing his reputation as a formidable competitor.
Fierceness: Fierceness is a 4-year-old colt known for his tenacity on the racetrack. As the runner-up in the 2024 Classic, he returned from a brief hiatus to set a new track record in the Alysheba Stakes, showcasing both speed and determination. His 2025 performance consisted of 5 starts, yielding two wins, 1 second place, and one third place, highlighting his ability to compete at a high level.
Journalism: A promising 3-year-old colt, Journalism has shown remarkable consistency throughout the year. With a record of always finishing in the top three until the Breeders’ Cup Classic, he captured attention with his impressive performances. He was the runner-up in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, both to Sovereignty, and also secured victories in Grade 1 races, demonstrating his talent and potential on the national stage.
Other Notable Horses
Thorpedo Anna: The reigning 2024 Horse of the Year has continued to impress with her performances in 2025. This brilliant filly has claimed victories in significant races, including the Azeri Stakes and the Fleur de Lis Stakes, reaffirming her status as a leading competitor in her division.
Ted Noffey: A standout 2-year-old star, Ted Noffey has enjoyed a perfect season, completing an undefeated 4-for-4 record. His run culminated in a decisive victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, showcasing his extraordinary talent and indicating a bright future ahead.
The final decision on the Horse of the Year title will be made by a vote of respected bodies, including the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, ensuring a thorough evaluation of each contender’s accomplishments throughout the year. The winner of the 2025 Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Eclipse Award will be announced January 22, 2026.
About the Author
