all in The Sport

Buckpasser was a real personality – that’s a nice way of putting it. It’s a testament to his talent, if not his tenacity, that the blueblood colt compiled a Hall of Fame career despite his nonchalant and often frustrating attitude toward racing.

More than 260 years ago, a total solar eclipse swept across Great Britain. It was on that day — April 1, 1764 — and during the eclipse itself that a horse was born at Cranbourne Lodge. Arriving as he did during such a rare, celestial event, the horse was named Eclipse, and through his achievements on the track and at stud, he would ensure that the name Eclipse would never be forgotten.

As much as Thoroughbreds turn a year older on Jan. 1, some things stay the same. Like the quest for Triple Crown glory. The newly turned 3-year-olds at Oaklawn Park will get their chance to chase Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifying points in Saturday’s Smarty Jones Stakes where 10-5-3-2-1 points will be distributed to the top five finishers.

“The Horse of the Year has to do something extraordinary.” 

America’s Best Racing correspondent Tom Pedulla looks back at 10 stories that made 2024 a year to toast:

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