2014 Eclipse Awards: Chad Brown

Chad Brown didn’t win the most money among North American trainers in 2014, or the most graded stakes races. But on racing’s championship days at the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, Brown won more of those prestigious races than any other trainer.

He won three Breeders’ Cup races, with Lady Eli taking the Juvenile Fillies Turf, Bobby’s Kitten the Turf Sprint, and Dayatthespa the Filly and Mare Turf over stablemate Stephanie’s Kitten.

Buoyed by his success at the Breeders’ Cup, Brown set a career high in stable earnings in 2014 with more than $15.3 million, second only to Todd Pletcher’s $22.4 million. He surpassed his previous best of $13.3 million, set in 2013, and has posted higher earnings each year since beginning training in 2007.

In addition to his achievements at the Breeders’ Cup, Brown notched Grade 1 victories with Real Solution in the Manhattan, Minorette in the Belmont Oaks Invitational, Stephanie’s Kitten in the Flower Bowl, and Dayatthespa in the First Lady.

Their success on grass enabled Brown to lead all North American trainers with turf earnings of more than $10.6 million in 2014.

Brown, 36, also proved capable of winning graded stakes on dirt, highlighted by Coup de Grace taking the Grade 3 Bay Shore, Zivo the Grade 2 Surburban, and Leave the Light On the Grade 2 Remsen.