11 Best Racehorses of All Time
Horse racing is an ancient sport, stretching back to days long past in classical cultures. While the essence of racing—determining the swiftest horse—remains unchanged, the sport has evolved in countless ways around the globe.
From jockey-less races to events featuring specific breeds or challenging terrains, horse racing comes in many flavors. Despite the diverse events on offer, some horses have cemented their place in history and captivated audiences worldwide. Here are 11 racehorses who have left an indelible mark, along with their extraordinary tales!
1. Arkle
| Country | Ireland |
|---|---|
| Breeder | Mary Baker at Malahow House |
| Trainer | Tom Dreaper |
| Owner | Anne Grosvenor, better known as the Duchess of Westminster, is a key figure in the world of horse racing. |
| Record | 35: 27-2-3 |
| Earnings | £95,198 |
Born April 19, Arkle was an Irish Thoroughbred with immense pedigree and promise. With a sire that wasn’t known for racing success and a mother, Bright Cherry, that excelled in jumps, Arkle was quite a fascinating mix. Purchased as an unbroken three-year-old by Anne Grosvenor for 1,150 guineas, he was named after the Arkle mountain in Sutherland, Scotland.th, 1957, and died on May 31stArkle, under the expert guidance of Tom Dreaper, registered 24 victories out of 26 runs between 1962 and 1963. His prowess shone brightly in the 1964 Hennessy, where he shattered the course record under a hefty 175-pound burden. He thrived in high-stakes races, clinching a couple of Hennessy Cognac Gold Cups, three Cheltenham Gold Cups, and more.
With a formidable Timeform rating of 212, Arkle set a benchmark that remains unmatched since the publication’s inception over seven decades ago.
Born on March 29, 1917, at the Kentucky Nursery Stud, the legendary Man O’ War emerged, bred by the renowned August Belmont II. Purchased by Pennsylvania horseman Samuel Riddle for $5,000, he found his way to Maryland. Man O’ War is a timeless icon in the archives of horse racing.
2. Man O’ War
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Breeder | August Belmont Jr. |
| Trainer | Louis Feustel |
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| Authors | $249,465 |
Man O’ War’s journey began on June 6, 1919, when Johnny Loftus guided him to a six-length victory, finishing at an effortless pace. As his victories accumulated, so did the weight he carried, reaching an astounding 304 pounds. His only loss came during the Stanford Memorial, but he prevailed against the winner, Upset, regularly thereafter.Compare CasinosDespite his sole sixth-race defeat, Man O’ War's dominance was recognized when he was named Horse of the Year by the end of his second year, and he started setting new records as a three-year-old.
Secretariat, a towering figure among American Thoroughbreds, entered this world on March 30, 1970, and left a legacy upon his passing on October 4, 1989.
Known affectionately as 'Big Red', Secretariat, bred by Christopher Chenery, had a rocky start. Initially temperamental and unfocused without blinkers, his early performances were mixed, clashing with other horses along the way.
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But at the 1972 Hopeful Stakes, Secretariat stunned the crowd, overcoming a slow start to cover the final quarter in a breathtaking 22 seconds, outpacing his competitors as the consummate underdog.
Over his career, Secretariat bagged multiple accolades, including Champion Two-Year-Old Colt, Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse, and Champion Male Turf Horse, rounding off as Horse of the Year in both 1972 and 1973. He was the ninth horse to secure the coveted Triple Crown Champion title.
Zenyatta, an American Thoroughbred standout, hailed April 1, 2004. Named in homage to the Police’s 'Zenyatta Mondatta' album by owners Jerry Moss and his wife.
Zenyatta, under the meticulous care of John Shirreffs, began her career late at age three, swiftly winning a maiden race. Spanning her career, she entered 20 races, losing only once. From 2008-2010, Zenyatta dominated, capturing 17 graded stakes—13 at the esteemed Grade I level.
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| Iasmina Bunea | Casino expert |
|---|---|
| Updated: | December 28, 2022 |
| 11 Best Racehorses of All Time | 1. Arkle |
| Arkle | Country |
| Ireland | Breeder |
| Mary Baker at Malahow House | $7,304,580 |
In 2009, she made history as the first mare to claim victory at the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Her triumphs extend to the Apple Blossom Handicap, Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic in 2008, and successively in races like the Clement L. Hirsch and Vanity Stakes. The Lady’s Secret race was eventually renamed to honor her with the Zenyatta Stakes.
One of the greatest racehorses history has seen, Kelso, was foaled on April 4, 1957, at Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky, under the ownership of Allaire du Pont.
Known for his spirited demeanor, Kelso was a challenge even after being gelded. Initiating his career at the Atlantic City Race Course in 1959, he won his debut and finished second in subsequent races that year.
Trainer
| Owner | Record |
|---|---|
| 35: 27-2-3 | Earnings |
| £95,198 | th |
| , 1957, and died on May 31 | st |
| 2. Man O’ War | Man-O-War |
| Country | $1,977,896 |
His third year marked his rise to fame, matching Man O’ War’s 1⅝ miles in 2:40-4/5. In 1960, Kelso earned the title of Three-Year-Old Champion Male and American Horse of the Year.
Kelso’s career boasts nine record-setting tracks and five Horse of the Year titles, an unparalleled feat, with his record for two miles on dirt still unbroken at 3:19.1.
The team behind successful race endeavors included G.J. Wilkie, K.J. Wilkie, Werrett Bloodstock Pty Ltd, and C.H. Madden, among others.
Black Caviar, the distinguished Australian Thoroughbred of August 2006 birth, dazzled as she walked away undefeated in all 25 races before her retirement.
United States
| August Belmont Jr. | Trainer |
|---|---|
| Louis Feustel | ABOUT US |
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| Review System | Training under Peter Moody and shared by multiple owners, Black Caviar won her maiden race by five lengths as a two-year-old. From 2011 to 2013, she was lauded as Australia’s Racehorse of the Year and triumphed as the inaugural non-European victor of the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Stakes in England. |
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Remarkably, her career paralleled that of Zenyatta, ultimately surpassing her consecutive win streak.
Among the giants of the racetrack, Arkle, Man O’ War, and Secretariat are legendary names that have left an indelible mark in the history of horse racing. Discover the remarkable achievements of these equine champions and other distinguished racehorses that have shaped the sport.
Tracing its roots back to the days of ancient civilizations, horse racing stands as one of humanity's oldest sporting endeavors. Though the fundamentals of the sport—pitting horses in a test of speed—remain true to its origins, the variations in how races are conducted across the globe reflect a fascinating tapestry of cultural influence and evolution.
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From races that feature skilled jockeys to those where horses sprint without riders, and events incorporating obstacles or unique track conditions, the world of horse racing is rich with diversity. Some races are exclusively for specific breeds, showcasing their unique attributes. However, despite the multitude of styles, a select group of remarkable horses has captured the imagination of racing enthusiasts worldwide. Meet 11 such extraordinary equines and dive into the captivating tales behind their glory.
The revered Anne Grosvenor, Duchess of Westminster
Legend arises from humble beginnings, as seen in Arkle, an Irish Thoroughbred born on April 19th, 1970. His sire, Archive, wasn't much of a runner himself, and his dam, Bright Cherry, was a competent jumper. As a raw three-year-old in 1960, Arkle exchanged hands for 1,150 guineas and found his name from the towering mountain on the Duchess of Westminster's Scottish estate.
Casino expert
| December 28, 2022 | 11 Best Racehorses of All Time |
|---|---|
| 1. Arkle | Arkle |
| Country | Ireland |
| Breeder | Mary Baker at Malahow House |
| Trainer | Tom Dreaper |
| Owner | $1,085,760 |
Under the tutelage of the esteemed trainer Tom Dreaper, Arkle dominated the racing scene in the early '60s, clinching 24 victories out of 26 starts during the 1962-1963 season. His legendary moment came at the 1964 Hennessy, where he shattered the course record carrying a challenging 175-pound handicap. Arkle's brilliance on the steeplechase courses saw him win multiple prestigious titles, including two Hennessy Cognac Gold Cups and three Cheltenham Gold Cups.
Remarkably, Arkle achieved an unrivaled Timeform rating of 212, a distinction that remains unsurpassed over the decades since its introduction.
Record
| Earnings | £95,198 |
|---|---|
| th | , 1957, and died on May 31 |
| st | 2. Man O’ War |
| Man-O-War | Country |
| United States | Breeder |
| August Belmont Jr. | Trainer |
Born into racing history in 1917 at Kentucky’s prestigious Nursery Stud, Man O’ War's tale began on March 29th. With deep racing heritage from breeder August Belmont II, he was later acquired by Pennsylvania horseman Samuel Riddle for $5,000. Man O’ War quickly became a legend in the sport.
Debuting victoriously on June 6th, 1919, with Johnny Loftus as his jockey, Man O’ War stunned onlookers by sprinting to the finish with ease. With each victory, his reputation grew, and so did the weights he carried through handicap. At just two years old, he was already bearing 130 pounds, a figure that would escalate to 304 pounds as he matured, a feat few horses could emulate.
A blemish-free career was elusive due to one loss—the infamous race where Upset thwarted Man O’ War's perfect record. Yet, revenge was sweeter, as Man O’ War bested Upset on six subsequent occasions and eventually won the Horse of the Year accolade by his two-year-old season's conclusion.
Louis Feustel
| Samuel D. Riddle | Record |
|---|---|
| 21: 20–1–0 | Earnings |
| th | 3. Secretariat |
| Secretariat | Country |
| United States | Breeder |
| Christopher Chenery | $313,428 |
Secretariat, the quintessential American Thoroughbred, arrived in the world on March 30th, 1970. The illustrious horse known affectionately as “Big Red” lived a celebrated life until his passing on October 4th, 1989, at the vigorous age of 19.
Though Secretariat's beginnings were rocky—he lacked focus and required special equipment like blinkers—his journey to stardom was one of perseverance. Christopher Chenery, his breeder, initially didn’t see him as racing material. Yet, his tenacious spirit won over those initial doubts.
In the 1972 Hopeful Stakes, Secretariat turned heads by making up for a sluggish start to blaze through the last leg of the race, completing the quarter-mile in a blistering 22 seconds. This late surge became his trademark, mesmerizing crowds as he consistently turned potential defeat into breathtaking victory.
Trainer
| Owner | Penny & Christopher Chenery |
|---|---|
| Record | 21: 16–3–1 |
| Earnings | Throughout an illustrious career packed with accolades, Secretariat was celebrated with multiple awards, honoring him as Champion Two-Year-Old Colt, among others. His prowess culminated with the prestigious Triple Crown victory, establishing yet another milestone along his legendary path. |
| 4. Zenyatta | The story of Zenyatta, the champion American Thoroughbred, begins on April 1st, 2004. Named after an album by the band The Police, Zenyatta's career blossomed under the ownership of Jerry Moss and his wife. |
| Zenyatta | Country |
| United States | $1,208,726 |
Famed for her deliberate beginnings, Zenyatta emerged as a late bloomer, capturing her first maiden victory at three. Despite her gradual start, she was unstoppable, notching only one defeat in her 20-race career. From 2008 to 2010, she outperformed in 17 graded stakes races, including 13 at the Grade I level.
Her landmark achievement came with the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic, where she became the inaugural mare to triumph. Among her laurels are the Apple Blossom Handicap and Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic wins in 2008, along with victories in the Clement L. Hirsch, Vanity Stakes, and the Lady’s Secret—a race subsequently renamed to honor her legacy.
In the annals of historic Thoroughbreds, Kelso ranks among the greats. This American icon was foaled on April 4th, 1957, at the renowned Claiborne farm, nestled near Paris, Kentucky, under the stewardship of Allaire du Pont.
Notoriously strong-willed, Kelso defied expectations even after being gelded—a decision made to temper his fiery disposition. Entering the racing scene at two, Kelso wowed at the Atlantic City Race Course but faced hurdles in subsequent outings.
Yet, his triumph wasn't far. By his third year, Kelso matched the legendary Man O’ War's timing for extended races, eventually garnering accolades such as the 1960 Three-Year-Old Champion and the prized American Horse of the Year title.
Breeder
| Maverick Productions, Limited | Trainer | John Shirreffs | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
127 |
Jerry & Ann Moss |
Record |
1 |
127 |
20: 19–1–0 |
Earnings |
1 |
127 |
5. Kelso |
Kelso |
4 |
125 |
Country |
United States |
6 |
123 |
Breeder |
Bohemia Stable |
Breaking nine track records was among Kelso's feats, including five repeated titles as Horse of the Year, a standout accomplishment in equine history. His world record for a two-mile dirt race at 3:19.1 continues to hold to this day.
Associations like G.J. Wilkie, K.J. Wilkie, Werrett Bloodstock Pty Ltd, and C.H. Madden all played roles in shaping the career of the peerless Black Caviar—an Australian Thoroughbred champion born in August 2006. Black Caviar's racing tenure was spotless, seeing triumph in all of her 25 races until she gracefully bowed out from the sport.