Demonstrative, winner of last year’s $150,000 New York Turf Writers Cup Grade 1 Stakes at Saratoga, the $150,000 Lonesome Glory Grade 1 Handicap at Belmont Park (N.Y.) and the $250,000 Grand National Grade 1 Hurdle Stakes at Far Hills (N.J.), won the 2014 Eclipse Award as Thoroughbred racing’s champion steeplechase horse.

Jacqueline Ohrstrom’s 8-year-old gelding (Elusive Quality—Loving Pride, Quiet American) is trained by Richard Valentine and was ridden to victory by Robert Walsh.

After a poor 2013 showing and then wind surgery, Demonstrative returned to run in all six of North America’s Grade 1 steeplechases, adding a second, third and sixth to his three wins during the 2014 season. He earned the National Steeplechase Association’s Lonesome Glory Champions Award as the year’s leading earner with $362,500—moving him into fourth place by all-time earnings in NSA races.

“He’s a horse of a lifetime, and hopefully we can manage him and keep him around for a long time. I’m just thrilled! I love him! Love him, love him, love him and I’m delighted for Mrs. Ohrstrom,” Valentine said following the gelding’s win at Far Hills, a course that had previously given Demonstrative trouble.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association and the Daily Racing Form vote each season to determine the Eclipse winners. Demonstrative earned 206 votes; Divine Fortune, 12; Decoy Daddy, 5; Makari, 2; and 40 voters abstained.