Quck answer
Here are the top 10 famous racehorses in history:
1. Secretariat – won the Triple Crown in 1973 and set records that still stand today.
2. Man o’ War – won 20 out of 21 races and is considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
3. Seabiscuit – a legendary underdog who captured the hearts of America during the Great Depression.
4. Citation – won 16 consecutive races and was the first horse to earn over million in prize money.
5. Phar Lap – a beloved Australian racehorse who won numerous races and became a national icon.
6. Northern Dancer – won the Kentucky Derby and became a highly successful sire.
7. Ruffian – a dominant filly who won all 10 of her races before tragically breaking down during a match race.
8. American Pharoah – won the Triple Crown in 2015 and became the first horse to also win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
9. Seattle Slew – won the Triple Crown in 1977 and went on to become a successful sire.
10. Zenyatta – a fan favorite who won 19 out of 20 races and became the first female horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Animal Facts
Famous Horses
Over the course of horse racing history, there have been many champions who have become famous for various reasons – some for their multiple wins and impressive purses, others for their impressive lineage, or their ability to uplift the spirits of an entire nation.
Here are ten of the most famous racehorses – from wartime heroes to contemporary idols, all of them are winners from start to finish!
10: Phar Lap
Phar Lap
Phar Lap, a New Zealand-bred horse whose name means “lightning” in Thai, became a national icon in Australia, where he spent most of his four-year career. This massive horse was over 17 hands high and had a heart that weighed 13.7 pounds, much more than the average horse heart weight of 9 pounds.
Phar Lap won 37 of his 51 races and set eight track records before his mysterious death in 1932, which was attributed by many to U.S. gangsters who feared he would cause huge losses for their illegal bookies. It was later discovered that Phar Lap had ingested a large amount of arsenic shortly before his death, but the source was never found or proven.
9: John Henry
John Henry
Discovery
John Henry was the racehorse of the decade in the 1980s and the first to earn over $4 million in career earnings by 1983. He was named after the folk hero “steel-driver” because as a young horse, he had a habit of tearing down steel water and feed buckets and stomping them flat.
Besides his 39 wins, he was the only horse to win the Arlington Million and Santa Anita Handicap twice each. After his last race at the 1984 Ballantine Scotch Classic, he retired in 1985 as the richest thoroughbred in the world.
8: War Admiral
War Admiral
Discovery
War Admiral, the son of another legendary horse, Man O’ War, had high expectations from the start.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1934, War Admiral was such a dark shade of brown that many thought he was black. Although he initially struggled with the starting gate, War Admiral rose to the challenge and earned the nickname, winning both the Triple Crown and Horse of the Year honors in 1937.
7: Affirmed
Affirmed
Affirmed was one of the most profitable racehorses of his time, earning over two million dollars during his career.
His most notable achievements came in 1978, when he won the Triple Crown and beat Seattle Slew at the Marlboro Cup Invitational Handicap, marking the first time two Triple Crown winners had faced off against each other.
Affirmed also had a fierce rivalry with another racer, Alydar, which came to a head during the Travers Stakes in Saratoga, New York that same year. With regular rider Steve Cauthen out due to injury, Affirmed was ridden by replacement jockey Laffit Pincay, who cut off Alydar, causing him to check and resulting in Affirmed’s disqualification from first place.
6: Barbaro
Barbaro
Discovery
Barbaro was an undefeated racehorse who won the Kentucky Derby in 2006 by a margin of 6-1/2 lengths, the largest in almost 50 years. Prior to this victory, he had also won the Florida Derby, Holy Bull Stakes, and Tropical Park Derby. His impressive record made him a serious contender for the Triple Crown. However, he fractured three bones in his right hind leg during the Preakness Stakes two weeks later, ending his racing career. Despite multiple surgeries, he developed laminitis in both front legs and passed away in 2007. His owners established an equine health fund in his honor.
5: Smarty Jones
Smarty Jones
Discovery
Smarty Jones, born in 2001, is a third-generation descendant of Mr. Propsector and related to other Triple Crown hopefuls such as Funny Cide, Afleet Alex, and Fusaichi Peagasus. His impressive pedigree likely contributed to his victories at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2004. However, he was upset by a 36-1 long shot at the Belmont Stakes, missing out on the Triple Crown.
4: Secretariat
Secretariat
Discovery
Secretariat, born in 1970, was initially considered “too pretty” to be a successful racehorse. However, he proved his doubters wrong by winning eight consecutive races during his first season and becoming the first 2-year-old to be crowned Horse of the Year. In 1973, he won the Triple Crown, setting records at the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes that still stand today. He passed away in 1989 and was mourned by millions. He was also named one of the “100 Greatest Athletes of the Twentieth Century” by ESPN and was honored with a postage stamp in 1999.
3: Citation
Citation
Discovery
Citation, born in 1945, won his very first race in Havre de Grace, Maryland and went on to become the first U.S. horse to earn one million dollars. He won the Triple Crown in 1948 and is often ranked alongside Man O’ War as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
One of the most famous racehorses of all time is Citation, who was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1959. He was so admired that the Chairman of the Cessna Aircraft Company was inspired to name their new business jet after him and even used a horse show background in the logo. Another legendary racehorse is Seabiscuit, who initially didn’t show much promise but went on to win 11 out of 15 races in 1937 and defeated War Admiral in the “Match of the Century” in 1939. Man O’ War is credited with rescuing American horse racing in the 1920s and lost only one race during his career due to early practices which involved the horses circling the starting line. He was also a successful sire, producing over 64 stakes winners and 200 champions, including War Admiral and the grandfather of Seabiscuit. Man O’ War’s legacy has been celebrated in books and a statue at his grave site in Kentucky Horse Park. Finally, Secretariat is regarded as the fastest racehorse in history.
FAQ
1. Who is Secretariat and why is he famous?
Secretariat is one of the most famous racehorses of all time. He won the Triple Crown in 1973, setting records in all three races. He is known for his incredible speed and stamina, as well as his charismatic personality. Secretariat’s performance in the Belmont Stakes is particularly memorable, as he won the race by an incredible 31 lengths, setting a record time that still stands today.
2. What made Seabiscuit such a beloved racehorse?
Seabiscuit was a racehorse that captured the hearts of the American public during the Great Depression. Despite his small size and unimpressive breeding, Seabiscuit was a fierce competitor who won many races against all odds. His underdog status and his ability to overcome adversity made him a symbol of hope and perseverance for many people during a difficult time.
3. Who was Man o’ War and how did he impact horse racing?
Man o’ War was a legendary racehorse who dominated the sport in the early 20th century. He won 20 of his 21 races and set multiple records, including a world record for the fastest mile ever run by a horse. Man o’ War’s success helped to popularize horse racing in America and establish it as a major sport.
4. What is the story behind the racehorse, Phar Lap?
Phar Lap was a racehorse from Australia who became a national hero during the Great Depression. He won numerous races and set records, but his greatest achievement was winning the Melbourne Cup in 1930. Despite his success, Phar Lap’s life was shrouded in controversy, and he died under mysterious circumstances in 1932. His legacy lives on, however, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest racehorses in history.
5. Who was Zenyatta and what made her unique?
Zenyatta was a mare who won 19 of her 20 races, including the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic. What made her unique was her distinctive running style, which involved coming from behind and making a dramatic late charge to the finish line. This style endeared her to fans and earned her the nickname “Queen of the Turf.”
6. What is the story behind the racehorse, Eclipse?
Eclipse was a racehorse from the 18th century who was undefeated in 18 races. He was so dominant that other owners often refused to enter their horses against him, and he was eventually retired to stud. Eclipse’s legacy lived on through his offspring, many of whom went on to become successful racehorses themselves.
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