J. Keeler Johnson handicaps the Holy Bull (G3) and Robert B. Lewis (G3).

Whether he was running in a maiden race on the undercard of the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, or in grade 1 races at Keeneland, Essential Quality was always victorious in 2020.

On a night that was properly subdued by Eclipse Awards standards, the industry acknowledged Horse of the Year Authentic, an accomplished list of divisional champions, and most assuredly the many people who kept the sport going in a difficult year.

In an old-school campaign of 10 starts in 2020, Peter Callahan’s Swiss Skydiver went from also-ran in a $125,000 seven-furlong stakes at Tampa Bay Downs to classic winner, to eventual champion.

It’s not unusual for a champion to return from a layoff. What’s rare is when a champion is sidelined for 18 1/2 months by two separate injuries and then returns to the races better than ever.

Watch the 2020 Eclipse Awards here!

Improbable turned in his best effort in the Aug. 1 Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course. He defeated By My Standards by two lengths and avenged himself against Tom’s d’Etat, who finished third as the even-money favorite.

Historical Horse Racing proved the game-changer and steps need to be taken to ensure its survival, writes trainer Dale Romans.

The fifth and final on-complex sale day of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale finished Jan. 28 with the second Book 2 session and it was Wairarapa’s Ardsley Stud who enjoyed a flurry of six-figure activity.

Road trips to the West Coast were a standard part of Victor Martinez’s career as a five-time Major League baseball All-Star. In contrast, King Guillermo, Martinez’ 4-year-old colt, is a rookie when it comes to a cross-country trip.