2020 Eclipse Awards: Godolphin

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum’s international Godolphin operation had another strong year and is a finalist for another Eclipse Award for outstanding owner, further cementing its position as one of the elite outfits of the modern era. The operation won the Eclipse for outstanding breeder in 2012 under its Darley name, under which it has bred and stood stallions in various jurisdictions worldwide. Darley also tied with Lael Stable for outstanding owner of 2006, and Godolphin was honored in that category in 2009 and 2012.

Godolphin again factored in at the top of North America’s owner and breeder leaderboards in 2020. The farm finished second by owner earnings, and fourth by breeder earnings. It tied for the lead by graded stakes wins for an owner, with eight, and was second by graded wins for a breeder.

Godolphin’s North American division in 2020 was led by the juvenile Essential Quality, likely to pick up divisional hardware at the Eclipse ceremony. The homebred colt won the Grade 1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity and the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at Keeneland to cap an unbeaten season. Godolphin also campaigned another homebred Grade 1 winner in Fair Maiden, who captured the La Brea Stakes in December at Santa Anita.

:: Full list of 2020 Eclipse Awards finalists, including profile stories

Godolphin’s other colorbearers flying its royal blue silks in North America in 2020 included the graded stakes-winning homebreds Maxfield, Pixelate, and Shared Sense; Grade 2 winner Mystic Guide; and the Grade 1-placed stakes winners Antoinette and Michelene.