The Eclipse Award of Merit is part of the American Eclipse Awards in Thoroughbred horse racing. It is presented to an individual or entity displaying outstanding lifetime achievement in, and service to, the Thoroughbred industry.
First awarded in 1976, the Eclipse Award of Merit is voted on by a panel of representatives from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers Association.
Winners 2025 - Ed Bowen (posthumously) 2023 - Stuart Janney 2021 - Earle I. Mack 2018 - Joe Harper 2016 - Andrew Beyer / Steven Crist 2015 - Leonard Lavin 2014 - Tom Durkin 2013 - D. Wayne Lukas 2012 - Nick Nicholson 2011 - W. Cothran "Cot" Campbell 2010 - Claiborne Farm / Marylou Whitney 2009 - William S. Farish III, Lane's End Farm 2008 - Alice Headley Chandler of Mill Ridge Farm 2006 - John A. Nerud 2005 - Penny Chenery 2004 - The Cella Family 2003 - Richard L. Duchossois 2002 - Ogden Phipps / Howard Battle 2001 - Harry T. Mangurian Jr. / Pete Pederson 2000 - Jim McKay 1998 - D. G. Van Clief Jr. 1997 - Bob and Beverly Lewis 1996 - Allen E. Paulson 1995 - James E. "Ted" Bassett III 1994 - Alfred G. Vanderbilt II 1993 - Paul Mellon 1992 - Joe Hirsch / Robert P. Strub 1991 - Fred W. Hooper 1990 - Warner L. Jones Jr. 1989 - Michael Sandler 1988 - John Forsythe 1987 - James B. Faulconer 1986 - Herman Cohen 1985 - Keene Daingerfield 1984 - John R. Gaines 1981 - Bill Shoemaker 1980 - John D. Shapiro 1979 - Frank E. Kilroe 1978 - Ogden Mills Phipps 1977 - Steve Cauthen 1976 - Jack J. Dreyfus
References
The Bloodhorse.com Champion's history charts