Fourth Outstanding Trainer Eclipse to Baffert

Successfully managing American Pharoah  's Triple Crown sweep and run through a victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) was a transcendent season in the sport of Thoroughbred racing, and Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert was justifiably rewarded with his fourth Eclipse Award, his first since a three-year sweep from 1997-99.



For the year Baffert's operation ranked third in earnings with $16,221,741, more than $10 million below those of leader Todd Pletcher. Baffert's 83 wins from 388 starts included 12 graded stakes winners, and his runners won grade I races in six different states and in Dubai.



Baffert, 63, one of the most recognizable figures in American racing with his white hair and ever-present sunglasses, ranks fifh all-time among North American trainers by earnings with more than $230.8 million.



But with Pharoah, Baffert and his team including assistant Jimmy Barnes and exercise riders Jorge Alvarez, Dana Barnes, and Martin Garcia brought a favorable spotlight on racing. With the cooperation of owner Ahmed Zayat, Baffert allowed unprecedented access to his stable star and the public responded, with large crowds in attendance whenever the son of Pioneerof the Nile raced.



"This horse helped racing get back to where it should be, the level of attention it deserves," said Baffert. "I've never seen anything like him; I've never trained anything like him."



By winning the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), Pharoah followed in the footsteps of Bayern in 2014 and provided his trainer with his 12th overall World Championships winner.



Baffert's other grade I winners of 2015 were Callback, Las Virgenes Stakes; Dortmund, Santa Anita Derby; and Secret Circle  , Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored By Gulf News.



In addition to American Pharoah, who won the Rebel Stakes (gr. II) to go along with his six grade Is, other grade II winners saddled by Baffert in 2015 were Fantastic Style, Gimme Da Lute, Hoppertunity, Lord Nelson, and Pretty N Cool. He was also represented by grade III winners Sky Kingdom  , Toews On Ice, and Whiskey Ticket.

Voting totals in outstanding trainer division: Bob Baffert, 200; Todd Pletcher, 44; Chad Brown, 12; Karl Broberg, 1; Jerry Hollendorfer, 1; voter abstentions, 3.