2023 Eclipse Awards: Godolphin

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum’s international Godolphin operation is yet again a finalist for both the Eclipse Award for outstanding owner and outstanding breeder, looking to sweep both categories for the third year in a row.

Godolphin or its Darley banner – the brand that it stands its stallions under – has won or tied for the outstanding owner award six times, in 2006, 2009, 2012, 2020, 2021, and 2022, and has been honored as outstanding breeder three times, in 2012, 2021, and 2022.

Godolphin led both owners and breeders by 2023 earnings in North America, and led breeders by both Grade 1 wins, with 13, and overall graded stakes wins, with 29.

Godolphin’s homebred Grade 1 winners in 2023 were led by Eclipse Award finalist Cody’s Wish, who took three Grade 1 races, including the historic Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap and a repeat score in the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Cody’s Wish is named for the late Cody Dorman and shared an inspiring bond with the teenager with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that typically takes patients in toddlerhood.

:: Full list of 2023 Eclipse Awards finalists, including profile stories

Godolphin and trainer Bill Mott’s staff embraced the Dorman family during Cody’s Wish’s career, developing bonds to the point where several were pallbearers at Cody Dorman’s funeral in November, after his passing on the way home to Kentucky following the Breeders’ Cup. Later, Darley in Kentucky welcomed the Dorman family and friends for a celebration of life on what would have been Cody Dorman’s 18th birthday in December.

Godolphin’s other North American Grade 1 winners included Kentucky Oaks winner and Eclipse Award finalist Pretty Mischievous, FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile winner and Eclipse Award finalist Master of The Seas, Eclipse Award finalist Mawj, and Matareya, Nations Pride, and Wet Paint.

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