winner's circle

American  

noun

1. a small, usually circular area or enclosure at a racetrack where awards are bestowed on winning mounts and their jockeys.

2. any select group of winners, achievers, or those that have been accepted as worthy.

   the winner's circle of fine wines.

---

Etymology

Origin of winner's circle

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

That positivity, some awards prognosticators contend, may have moved “Sinners” within striking distance of the winner’s circle at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.

From Los Angeles Times

He was a familiar face around local tracks, usually ponying his horses to the track during morning training and then avoiding the spotlight when his horse won by staying on the racing surface and not going to the Winner’s Circle, leaving the punditry to his wife, Dottie Ingordo.

From Los Angeles Times

"I really, over the off-season, was motivated to get back in the winner's circle," Korda said.

From Barron's

Baffert said as he stood in the winner’s circle and motioned to the grandstand, which was crowded with an announced 41,962 fans, the largest opening day audience since 2016.

From Los Angeles Times

Call it the Bertha Derby, if you like, for poor Bertha was the one who stood to lose the most, should Lord Fredrick end up in the winner’s circle.

From Literature