Cox, Asmussen chase each other – and a record – for earnings

Brad Cox continues to hold a narrow lead in 2021 stable earnings over Steve Asmussen as their statistical battle for the Eclipse Award for outstanding trainer comes into sharper focus. Both trainers also are on the cusp of surpassing the single-season record for earnings by a trainer.

Through Sunday, Cox runners had earned $30,918,451 this year versus $30,292,871 for Asmussen, according to Daily Racing Form statistics. They’re widely regarded as the top two contenders for the Eclipse, which Cox won last year for the first time. Asmussen, a Hall of Fame member, is a two-time Eclipse winner, having won the title in 2008 and 2009.

The all-time record for one-year earnings is $31,112,144, set in 2019 by Chad Brown.

:: Get Daily Racing Form Past Performances – the exclusive home of Beyer Speed Figures

Both trainers currently have their top horses at Fair Grounds and Oaklawn Park, although both also remain active elsewhere. Last week (Nov. 29 to Dec. 5), Lady Rocket captured the Grade 3 Go for Wand at Aqueduct as one of Cox’s nine winners, while Asmussen had five wins during the same span.

:: Join DRF Bets and play the races with a $250 First Deposit Bonus. Click to learn more.

Overall, Asmussen leads all trainers in starts (2,307) and wins (438). Both he and Cox are tied with two other trainers, Brown and Bob Baffert, for most Grade 1 wins, all with 10. Starting this week, Cox has 30 graded wins in 2021 versus 21 for Asmussen.