Here’s a bold statement: Thorpedo Anna’s 2025 season wasn’t perfect, but her grit and determination in the Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) reminded everyone why she’s a champion. And this is the part most people miss—her victory in that race likely secured her a second consecutive Eclipse Award, cementing her legacy in the older dirt female division. But here’s where it gets controversial: was her 2025 campaign as dominant as her 2024 Horse of the Year season? Let’s dive in.
Thorpedo Anna’s 2024 season was nothing short of legendary. She won six of seven starts, including triumphs in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), where she faced—and defeated—older females. Her only loss? A gutsy second-place finish to Fierceness in the Travers Stakes (G1). But here’s the kicker: even in defeat, she proved her mettle, showcasing the heart of a true champion.
Fast forward to 2025, and the season started strong. At Oaklawn Park, she dominated the Azeri Stakes (G2) and the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1), giving rivals a 4-7 pound advantage. Yet, her four-race win streak ended abruptly in the La Troienne Stakes (G1) after a rough start. This is where opinions start to differ: Was it just a bad day, or did the competition finally catch up? Trainer Ken McPeek noted, ‘She was mugged in the La Troienne and was probably over the top at the end. But I’m really proud of her, proud of how she ran.’
Thorpedo Anna bounced back with wins in the Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) and the all-important Personal Ensign Stakes, where she battled Dorth Vader in a thrilling stretch duel. Under jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., she fought back to win by a nose, proving once again that she’s ‘tough as nails,’ as McPeek aptly put it. However, an off-the-board finish in the Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland left some questioning her consistency in 2025.
Here’s the controversial question: Does her 2025 season diminish her legacy, or does it highlight her resilience in the face of tougher competition? Let’s not forget, she faced intense pressure as the target every time she stepped onto the track. McPeek emphasized, ‘In her wins, she was very, very good, especially when you consider everyone was focused on beating her.’
Off the track, Thorpedo Anna’s story continued to evolve. In August, Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings purchased half of her, while Magdalena Racing, Mark Edwards, and breeder Judy Hicks retained interests. She was retired in October to begin her broodmare career at Hill ‘n’ Dale, following in the footsteps of her dam, Sataves, who was named 2024 Broodmare of the Year.
The older dirt female division also saw strong performances from Scylla, the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) winner, and Splendora, the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) winner. Yet, Thorpedo Anna’s ability to rise to the occasion in the Personal Ensign Stakes solidified her place at the top.
Final thought: Was Thorpedo Anna’s 2025 season as flawless as her 2024 campaign? No. But did she prove she’s still a champion? Absolutely. What’s your take? Does her 2025 performance strengthen or weaken her legacy? Let’s hear it in the comments!
