winner's circle

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of winner's circle¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

After two troubled seasons Mercedes have finally found their way back to the winner's circle.

From BBC

I very much look forward to returning to Churchill Downs and getting back to the Winner’s Circle.”

From Los Angeles Times

As Lukas made his way to the winner’s circle, he experienced a lot of fellow trainers who have been influenced by Lukas.

From Los Angeles Times

When a horse named Prized won the Arcadia Handicap at Santa Anita on March 4, the proud owners headed for the winner’s circle at trackside.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s where Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat and many others pranced to the winner’s circle.

From Seattle Times