Top 10 Racehorses of All Time

Often hailed as the greatest racehorse of the 20th century, Man o’ War was a force of nature. Foaled in 1917, this chestnut colt, nicknamed “Big Red,” won 20 of his 21 starts. His only loss was a controversial one, where he had a bad start.

Man o’ War was so dominant that often no other owners dared to enter their horses in a horse race against him. He set multiple track and world records, some of which stood for decades. Though he skipped the Kentucky Derby, he won the Preakness and Belmont Stakes with ease, the latter by an astonishing 20 lengths.

Another “Big Red,” Secretariat, captured the world’s attention in 1973 when he became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. His performances in those three races are the stuff of legend. He set track records in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, records that still stand today.

His victory at the Belmont is arguably the most famous moment in racing history, where he won by an incredible 31 lengths, a feat so stunning it continues to give chills to those who watch the replay. Secretariat’s combination of speed, power, and stamina makes him a benchmark for all famous race horses.

Citation was the eighth horse to win the American Triple Crown, achieving the feat in 1948. What sets him apart is his incredible consistency and durability. After his Triple Crown victory, he went on to win 16 consecutive major stakes races, a record that has never been broken.

He was also the first horse in history to earn over $1 million in prize money. Citation’s career demonstrates a level of dominance over an extended period that few other racehorses have ever matched. Today, developers can access extensive historical data through a horse racing data API to analyze such incredible careers.

In a sport often dominated by colts, the magnificent mare Zenyatta proved that girls can run with the boys and beat them. Known for her dramatic, come-from-behind running style and her signature “dance” moves in the paddock, Zenyatta was a true showstopper.

She won the first 19 races of her career, including the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic against an all-male field. Her only career loss came in her final race, the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic, where she fell short by just a head. Her charisma and thrilling victories earned her a massive fanbase.

Considered by many to be the greatest European racehorse in history, Frankel was undefeated in his 14-race career. Trained in the UK, he was known for his high cruising speed and devastating turn of foot, which allowed him to simply overwhelm his competition.

Frankel’s victories were often by huge margins, showcasing a superiority that was breathtaking to witness. His official rating of 141 is the highest ever awarded by the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, cementing his place among the all-time greats. Staying updated on such dominant horses is easier than ever, with a reliable Horse racing Odds api providing real-time information.

Kelso was a gelding who defied the odds and expectations throughout his long and storied career. He was named U.S. Horse of the Year for five consecutive years (1960–1964), a record that remains unbroken.

 Kelso was known for his versatility, winning on both dirt and turf and at various distances. He competed against multiple generations of champions and consistently came out on top, showcasing a level of sustained excellence and heart that made him a beloved figure in American racing.

A national icon in Australia, Phar Lap was a giant chestnut gelding who became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. His name means “lightning” in Thai, and he certainly lived up to it. Phar Lap dominated Australian racing, winning 37 of his 51 starts, including the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 1930.

He then traveled to North America and won the Agua Caliente Handicap in Mexico, which at the time offered the richest purse in the world. His sudden and mysterious death shortly after this victory only added to his legend. For fans who want to follow races as they happen, a source for Live Horse Racing Results is essential.

In 2015, American Pharaoh ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought, becoming the 12th horse to achieve the feat. What made his run even more special was that he completed the “Grand Slam” of racing by also winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the same year, becoming the first horse ever to do so.

 Known for his smooth, efficient stride and surprisingly gentle demeanor, American Pharaoh captivated a new generation of racing fans and reminded everyone of the magic of a Triple Crown champion.

Another Australian superstar, Black Caviar, took the racing world by storm with her perfect record. This powerful mare was a sprinting specialist who was undefeated in all 25 of her races. Her dominance was absolute; she often won with apparent ease, showcasing a blistering speed that left her rivals far behind.

Her career culminated in a dramatic victory at the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in England, proving her world-class talent on an international stage. Her legacy has inspired many to get involved in racing, some even creating a horse race game to simulate such thrilling competitions.

No list of the best race horses of all time would be complete without Seabiscuit. An undersized and often overlooked horse, Seabiscuit became an unlikely hero and a symbol of perseverance for a nation struggling through the Great Depression.

His legendary match race against the formidable Triple Crown winner War Admiral in 1938 is one of the most famous events in sports history. Seabiscuit’s victory in that race, and his subsequent comeback from a career-threatening injury to win the Santa Anita Handicap, cemented his place in the hearts of millions.