Racing’s sentimental hero has now become an official champion in the record book, as Cody’s Wish was named Horse of the Year and champion older dirt male at Thursday night’s 53rd Eclipse Awards gala at The Breakers Palm Beach.

Up to the Mark exploded from off the pace to win the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Todd Pletcher won his first Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 2, when Vino Rosso surged past tiring favorite McKinzie in the stretch.