FAMOUS HORSES IN HISTORY: TOP 25 RACE HORSES OF ALL TIME RANKED

FAMOUS HORSES: TOP 25 RACE HORSES OF ALL TIME RANKED

Secretariat, Man o’ War, Seattle Slew, Seabiscuit. We talk about their legacy, records, and lineage as we discuss the best racehorses of all time. 

Even though there is no unanimous agreement, the St. Leger, which is the eldest of Great Britain’s Five Classic Races, and held its first edition in 1776, is recorded as the earliest horse race in modern times. 

TOP 5 RACEHORSE OF ALL TIME

1. MAN O’ WAR
2. SECRETARIAT
3. FRANKEL
4. CITATION
5. RIBOT

While some horses on this list became champions from the get go, others had a slightly skewed growth trajectory, beginning with inferior performances earlier in their racing careers before ultimately scooping multiple Racehorse of the Year awards and regional and national titles.  

We’ve considered factors such as Racing Hall of Fame considerations, match races won, track records, overall career earnings and records in all three highly-coveted horse races known as the Triple Crown. 

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25 BEST RACEHORSE OF ALL TIME RANKED

1. Man o' War

Man o' War is widely considered the greatest racehorse of all time, with 20 wins out of 21 races. His sheer dominance on the track redefined the sport during the early 20th century, even though he didn’t compete in the Kentucky Derby. His victories in the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, and his win by over 100 lengths in the Lawrence Realization Stakes, remain legendary. His legacy extended beyond his career as his lineage included other champions like War Admiral and Seabiscuit.

2. Secretariat

Secretariat, often referred to as "Big Red," set a new standard for racing with his record-breaking Triple Crown win in 1973. His time records in all three races—Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes—still stand today. Secretariat’s 31-length victory at Belmont is considered one of the most iconic moments in sports history. He earned five Eclipse Awards and was inducted into multiple halls of fame, making him an enduring figure in horse racing.

3. Frankel

Frankel, a British thoroughbred, is one of the most highly rated racehorses in history, boasting an undefeated career with 14 wins. Trained by the legendary Sir Henry Cecil, Frankel won titles such as the 2000 Guineas Stakes and Queen Anne Stakes. His acceleration and strength on the track made him a modern marvel. Frankel’s influence extends to his role as a sire, producing several top-performing racehorses.

4. Citation

Citation was the first horse to earn over $1 million, a monumental achievement at the time. He won the Triple Crown in 1948 and maintained a remarkable winning streak with 16 consecutive victories. Even after overcoming injuries, Citation returned to racing and achieved further success. His impact as a pioneer in horse racing earnings solidified his place in history.

5. Ribot

Ribot, an Italian champion, went undefeated in all 16 of his races, becoming a symbol of European racing excellence. He won prestigious races like the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Ribot's unmatched stamina and tactical brilliance on the track earned him widespread acclaim. His influence extended to breeding, as he became a leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland.

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6. Seattle Slew

Seattle Slew is one of only two horses to win the Triple Crown while undefeated, achieving the feat in 1977. His career included 14 wins out of 17 races, and his powerful performances made him a fan favorite. Despite early doubts about his appearance, he quickly became a superstar, earning the nickname “Slewmania” for the widespread fan following he generated. His rivalry with Affirmed added extra intrigue to his career.

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7. Black Caviar

Black Caviar, an Australian mare, went undefeated in 25 races, an unprecedented achievement in modern racing. She earned over $7.9 million in prize money and won 15 Group One races, including international victories in England. Known for her incredible speed and consistency, Black Caviar became a global sensation. Her dominance earned her the title of World Champion Sprinter.

8. Affirmed

Affirmed’s rivalry with Alydar is one of the most famous in racing history, with Affirmed winning the 1978 Triple Crown in a series of nail-biting finishes. His career spanned three years, and he won 22 of his 29 races. Affirmed’s calm demeanor and strategic racing style allowed him to shine under pressure. His legacy was cemented when he became the last Triple Crown winner for 37 years until American Pharoah in 2015.

9. Kincsem

Kincsem, a Hungarian-bred mare, holds the record for the most undefeated races in history, winning all 54 of her starts. Her achievements extended beyond her home country, with victories in prestigious European races like the Grosser Preis von Baden and the Goodwood Cup. Kincsem’s temperament was as famous as her talent—she would only drink water from her home farm and was known for her particular habits. Her legacy is still celebrated in Hungary and throughout Europe.

10. Dr. Fager

Dr. Fager is remembered for winning four American titles in 1968, an unprecedented accomplishment for a single season. Despite battling physical ailments, he set a world record in the Washington Park Handicap. His career was marked by remarkable speed, resilience, and versatility on the track. Named after the neurosurgeon who saved his trainer’s life, Dr. Fager remains a symbol of toughness in horse racing.

11. Tom Fool

Tom Fool’s career was highlighted by victories in key handicap races, earning him the title of American Horse of the Year in 1953. He was a versatile and consistent performer, winning 21 of his 30 starts. His influence extended to his success as a sire, producing several champion horses. Tom Fool’s lineage left a lasting impact on thoroughbred racing, making him a prominent figure in breeding as well.

12. Winx

Winx, an Australian racing legend, won 33 consecutive races, including four Cox Plates, making her one of the most successful racehorses in modern times. Known for her incredible turn of foot, Winx was able to accelerate past competitors with ease. Her consistency and longevity on the track earned her worldwide acclaim. Winx’s dominance in Australia and on the international stage solidified her as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

13. Phar Lap

Phar Lap, a New Zealand-bred horse, became an Australian national hero after overcoming illness and physical setbacks early in his career. He won major races like the Melbourne Cup and set a record in the Agua Caliente Handicap in Mexico. His untimely death in mysterious circumstances only added to his legend. Phar Lap’s story of triumph against adversity continues to resonate, and his remains are honored in both Australia and New Zealand.

14. Whirlaway

Whirlaway’s unique style, highlighted by his long, flowing tail, made him a fan favorite. He won the Triple Crown in 1941 and added the Travers Stakes to complete the "Grand Slam" of American racing. Trained by the legendary Ben A. Jones, Whirlaway’s success on the track earned him induction into the Hall of Fame. His quirky behavior and incredible talent made him one of the most beloved racehorses of his era.

15. Seabiscuit

Seabiscuit captured the hearts of Americans during the Great Depression with his underdog story. Initially dismissed due to his size and temperament, Seabiscuit became a racing sensation after defeating War Admiral in a highly anticipated match race. His victories brought hope to a struggling nation, and his story was later immortalized in books and film. Seabiscuit remains an iconic figure in horse racing history.

16. American Pharoah

In 2015, American Pharoah broke a 37-year drought by becoming the first horse since Affirmed to win the Triple Crown. His effortless running style and calm demeanor made him a fan favorite. He capped his career with a win in the Breeders' Cup Classic, becoming the first horse to win the “Grand Slam” of American racing. American Pharoah’s historic achievements rejuvenated the sport.

17. Red Rum

Red Rum is a British racing legend, known for his three victories in the Grand National, one of the world’s most challenging races. His ability to perform on different courses and his tenacity on the track made him a fan favorite. Red Rum's comeback win in 1977 is considered one of the greatest moments in British sporting history. His enduring legacy is commemorated by a statue at Aintree Racecourse.

18. Spectacular Bid

Spectacular Bid won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1979, narrowly missing the Triple Crown after a third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes. His versatility and speed made him one of the best racehorses of his generation. Known for his competitive spirit, Spectacular Bid had an impressive career with 26 wins from 30 starts. He remains a beloved figure in American horse racing.

19. Zenyatta

Zenyatta was a dominant force in American horse racing, winning 19 of her 20 races, including the Breeders' Cup Classic against male competitors. Known for her powerful late runs, Zenyatta became a fan favorite due to her unique racing style. She was named American Horse of the Year in 2010. Her near-perfect record and charismatic presence made her a racing icon.

20. Northern Dancer

Northern Dancer’s victory in the 1964 Kentucky Derby was just the beginning of a storied career, both on the track and in breeding. He became one of the most influential sires in thoroughbred history, producing countless champions. Northern Dancer’s bloodlines continue to dominate in modern racing, and his legacy as a racehorse and sire is unmatched.

21. Kelso

Kelso was a five-time American Horse of the Year in the 1960s, a record that has yet to be broken. His versatility allowed him to excel at various distances and on different surfaces, winning major races over several years. Kelso’s endurance and consistency earned him admiration from racing fans. His career earnings set records at the time, further cementing his place in racing history.

22. War Admiral

War Admiral was a Triple Crown winner in 1937 and had a famous rivalry with Seabiscuit, which culminated in their legendary match race. Despite his smaller size, War Admiral's speed and competitive spirit made him one of the best horses of his era. His rivalry with Seabiscuit became a defining moment in horse racing, adding to his legacy.

23. Alydar

Alydar is best known for his rivalry with Affirmed, finishing second in all three Triple Crown races in 1978 by narrow margins. Although he never won the big titles, Alydar’s performances were exceptional, and his competitive spirit made their races legendary. Alydar’s impact extended to breeding, where he became a successful sire.

24. Native Dancer

Nicknamed "The Gray Ghost," Native Dancer won 21 of his 22 races, becoming a household name due to his television appearances in the 1950s. His only loss came in the Kentucky Derby, but his dominance in other races solidified his legacy. He became an influential sire, passing on his speed and agility to future champions.

25. Sham

Sham is often remembered as the horse who ran against Secretariat, finishing second in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Although overshadowed by Secretariat, Sham was a remarkable racehorse in his own right, winning several major races. His rivalry with Secretariat remains one of the most famous in horse racing history.

BEST RACEHORSE BONUS: BIGGEST HORSE ALL TIME

Standing at an impressive 21.5 hands (over 7 feet tall) and weighing over 3,000 lbs, Sampson still holds the record for the biggest horse of all time. Widely known by his moniker “The Mammoth”, Sampson was an extremely popular horse back in the early 19th century. Bred and owned by Samuel Benett, Sampson was gelded when he was only 1 year old, a move that would contribute heavily to his incredible growth spurt. 

Sampson’s gigantic size can as well be largely attributed to genetics (Shire horse) and his incredible appetite, which saw him consume large amounts of barley and oats daily. Shire horses are one of the seven major draft breeds, a breed of horse widely known for their massive strength and ability to grow to impressive heights. Apart from being gentle temperament, shire horses also tend to form a close bond with their owners.