Surprsinglyperfect named HBPA 2025 Claiming Horse of the Year

The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association announced its annual awards on Jan. 9, naming the veteran gelding Surprsinglyperfect as the 2025 Claiming Horse of the Year. The honor spotlights an 11-year-old campaigner whose combination of longevity, soundness and steady placing made him a standout in the claiming ranks.

Surprsinglyperfect entered 2026 with more than 100 career starts and a 7-for-13 record in 2025, numbers that underline the blue-collar appeal the HBPA seeks to celebrate. For owners, trainers and backstretch workers, a horse that stays healthy, runs consistently and brings value on a nightly basis matters as much as flashier stakes winners. The HBPA’s awards aim to recognize those everyday performers and the communities that keep them race-ready.

From a practical perspective for trainers and connections, Surprsinglyperfect’s profile is a textbook case of what works in claiming: durability, the ability to be competitive across different cards and a record of finishing in the money often enough to justify ongoing placement in the claiming market. For backstretch staff and smaller stables, a sound, dependable claimant like Surprsinglyperfect can provide steady work, routine income and a reliable campaign plan through multiple seasons.

Handicappers and fans get a clear lesson as well. When sizing up claiming races, longevity and consistent placement often outscore occasional flashes of speed; evidence of sustained form across a heavy campaign can be a stronger predictor than one-off figures. Horses accumulating starts and maintaining condition indicate trainers who manage careers carefully and backstretches that keep horses fit and competitive.

The award also reinforces the social fabric of regional racing. Claiming-level competitors are the engine of most racetracks, filling cards, giving small trainers chances to compete and supporting the people who care for horses day to day. Recognizing a veteran gelding with more than a century of starts draws attention to that workforce and to the kinds of campaigns that keep horses in the game.

The takeaway? Look beyond raw speed figures when evaluating claimers. Durability, frequent in-the-money finishes and consistent placement tell you how a horse will hold up across a season and signal value for connections and bettors alike. Our two cents? Respect the grinders—Surprsinglyperfect is proof that soundness and steady returns are the backbone of the claiming game.