A remarkable story of consistency and triumph unfolds with Shisospicy's Eclipse Award win, leaving us with a compelling narrative. The grass is greener for some, and this filly's journey is a testament to that.
In a historic moment, Morplay Racing and Qatar Racing's Shisospicy secured the Eclipse Award for champion female sprinter, becoming the 16th horse in the award's 19-year history to achieve this feat. But here's the twist: unlike her predecessors, Shisospicy's path to glory was paved with victories over males in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T).
This 3-year-old daughter of Mitole made history as the first turf runner to win the prestigious year-end prize since its inception in 2007. Trained by Jose D'Angelo, Shisospicy's record speaks volumes: seven races in 2025, five wins, three in graded stakes, and a single second-place finish. Her only unplaced finish occurred during her overseas adventure at the Commonwealth Cup (G1) in England.
D'Angelo believes Shisospicy's consistency throughout the year, racing at various tracks and beating both males and older horses, earned her the award. "She's been a very special filly," he adds.
In addition to the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, Shisospicy, a daughter of Into Mischief, claimed victories in the Limestone Stakes, Mamzelle Stakes (G3T), and Music City Stakes (G2T). She also won an allowance optional claimer at Gulfstream Park in her fourth career start and first on turf.
Bred in Kentucky by Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt, Shisospicy has won six out of nine career starts, accumulating earnings of $2,090,270. Morplay became the sole owner after purchasing her for $5.2 million at Fasig-Tipton's The November Sale, dissolving the partnership with Qatar Racing.
And this is the part most people miss: Shisospicy's journey isn't over. She's set to embark on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia in early February, competing in the $2 million 1351 Turf Sprint (G2T) on the Saudi Cup (G1) undercard. If all goes well, she might even grace the Al Quoz Sprint (G1T) in Dubai on March 28.
So, what do you think? Is Shisospicy's story an inspiring tale of consistency and triumph, or does it raise questions about the criteria for these prestigious awards? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
