Chad Brown has reclaimed his position as the leading trainer in North America for 2024, achieving an impressive $30,866,710 in earnings. This marks the third time since 2019 that he has surpassed the $30 million mark in purse earnings. With a record of 211 wins from 925 starts, Brown has topped the North American earnings list for the sixth time since 2016.
His standout horse, Sierra Leone, led all runners in North American earnings with $5,911,250. Although Sierra Leone narrowly missed winning the Kentucky Derby (G1), finishing second by a nose, he triumphed in the prestigious $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) later in the year.
Brown expressed pride in Sierra Leone's performance, highlighting the horse's resilience and talent throughout a challenging year. Other notable grade 1 winners for Brown in 2024 included Chancer McPatrick and Gina Romantica.
Following Brown in earnings were Steve Asmussen with $29,338,851, Brad Cox with $28,301,397, Todd Pletcher at $19,901,016, and Mark Casse with $17,721,580. Asmussen also led in wins with 407 victories, marking his 15th time finishing atop the wins list.
As the finalists for the Eclipse Award for outstanding trainer are announced, Brown, with four previous wins, is up against Cox and Kenny McPeek, who is seeking his first award in this category.