The Eclipse Award is an annual honor presented in the United States to recognize excellence in thoroughbred horse racing. Established in 1971, the awards are named after the famous racehorse Eclipse, who was a dominant competitor in the 18th century. The awards cover various categories, including Horse of the Year, Champion 2-Year-Old, and Champion Older Horse, among others. The winners are determined by a voting process that includes members of the media, racing officials, and other industry professionals. The awards are typically announced in January and celebrated at a ceremony, highlighting the achievements of horses, trainers, and jockeys from the previous racing season.