10 Most Famous Racehorses That Have Made History

Every equestrian fan understands the meaning of a good racehorse. Their power and beauty are beyond compare, and the fans seem to lean towards those horses whether they already had a favourite or not. And there are those horses that made history. While browsing online in search of statistics about race horses, there is a good chance that you will come across some of them. With their achievements, they have lifted the bar high for those coming after them, and their names will forever resonate through the equestrian world. 

Desert Orchid 

The winner of the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup, but also a four-time winner of King George Chases is one of the most famous jump horses of all time. Desert Orchid won almost half of his 70 races and was named fourth on the all-time list of National Hunt Horses.

Seabiscuit 

At first, Seabiscuit was not approved by experts, but in the end, he still won 11 out of 15 of his runs. Combined with the fact that the jockey who was riding him only had one eye, he managed to beat all odds, and have his story turned into a movie.

Winx

In 2016, 2017, and 2018, Winx was named as the best filly in the world. Winning 33 consecutive races and during her career, she earned over $15 million. 

Secretariat

At two years of age, Secretariat won eight consecutive races, even though he was proclaimed as too beautiful to participate in a race. He continued on to win the Triple Crown and Belmont Stakes where he still holds the record.

Man O’War 

Man O’War was born in 1917 and in 1919 he won three staked races within a 17-day period. Due to his good reputation, he was loved among punters but also the audience. During his career, he only lost once. 

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Affirmed 

One of the most lucrative horses ever to race, Affirmed earned over $2 million over the course of his career. He won the Triple Crown in 1978. 

American Pharaoh

American Pharaoh had an amazing career. After winning the 2015 Kentucky Derby, he also won the Belmont Stakes as well as the Preakness Stakes. One of his most astonishing victories was at the Breeder’s Cup Classis.

Frankel

With a streak of 14 runs which he never lost, Frankel is one of the greatest horses ever to touch the race tracks. Although he never competed for other Triple Crown trophies, he managed to win eleven Grade 1’s.

Arkle 

This amazing horse was well-known to the public due to its versatility. He was the winner of Gold Cups three years in a row. He also excelled at the Cheltenham Festival but also when he won the Irish Grand National even though he carried two more stones than the rest of his rivals.

Red Rum

Red Rum was born with an incurable bone disease. Nevertheless, he fought on and managed to win three Grand Nationals.