The All-Time Greatest Race Horses

Even if you're not an ardent follower of the equestrian sport, chances are you're familiar with some famous racehorses whose remarkable achievements have etched them into the annals of sporting history.

Throughout the years, these legendary race horses have not only attracted massive betting sums but have also become icons in their own right. But which ones truly stand out , and what makes them extraordinary compared to their peers?

Frankel

Let's begin with the unbeatable Frankel, who earned the highest-ever Timeform rating of 147 for a flat runner. Frankel had an impeccable record, securing victory in all 14 of his races, 12 of which were flat races.

Back in 2011, he claimed victory in the 2000 Guineas Stakes, along with wins in the St James’s Palace Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and Sussex Stakes within the same year. He kept his Sussex title in 2012 before winning the G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Frankel's most awe-inspiring moment was during the 2011 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket, where he quickly advanced to lead by an astounding 15 lengths midway through the race.

He eventually won by six lengths, the largest margin since Tudor Minstrel in 1947, and it was described by many as one of the finest exhibitions ever seen at a British racecourse.

Arkle

Around four decades before Frankel's 2000 Guineas claim, the Irish-bred champion Arkle was ruling the racing world. With three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup wins (from 1964 to 1966) and a 1964 Irish Grand National victory, Arkle was a force to reckon with.

Holding a top Timeform rating of 212, Arkle is revered as the best steeplechaser ever, securing 27 wins out of 35 starts. Among these triumphs were the Hennessy Gold Cup (twice), the Punchestown Gold Cup, and the King George VI Chase.

His peak performance spanned from 1963 to 1965, with his 1964 Cheltenham Gold Cup victory being particularly noteworthy as he carried 30 lbs more than his rivals.

Regrettably, Arkle's promising career ended early in 1967 due to a fractured pedal bone, leaving us to imagine what more he might have achieved.

Kelso

Kelso, the first American-born horse on our list, foaled in 1957, played in an impressive 63 races. Out of these, he won 39 races and was among the top three in 53, amassing $1.97 million in career earnings.

In an unexpected twist, he missed a Triple Crown chance in 1960, failing to win any of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Despite this, he was anointed American Champion Three-Year-Old in 1960, besting many legendary contemporaries.

He secured five Jockey Club Gold Cup wins at Belmont Park and remains the event’s most prolific victor.

For five unbroken years, from 1960 to 1964, he earned American Racehorse of the Year recognition, justifying his spot on this list.

Makybe Diva

Another iconic racer, Makybe Diva, was bred in England and moved to Australia as a young horse. This 1999-born mare collected $14.5 million during her career, rewriting the history books.

Her unmatched dominance in the Melbourne Cup saw her win three of her 15 races in this event—an unbeaten record with consecutive victories from 2004 through 2006.

Yet, her dazzling performances on the grand stage, especially at Flemington, are what truly distinguish Makybe Diva, despite her overall career record being less extraordinary than some contemporaries.

In 2005, she completed the challenging Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate double, joining an elite circle as only the seventh horse to achieve this.

Zenyatta

Named by Sports Illustrated as the greatest filly of all time, US-bred Zenyatta, foaled in 2004, was a star in her own right. Purchased for just $60,000, she dazzled with victories in 19 of 20 races.

Her triumphs at the Breeders’ Cup in both 2008 and 2009 made headlines. Victory in the esteemed Breeders’ Cup Classic brought her $2.7 million and over $7 million throughout her career.

She was honored as 2010 American Horse of the Year and entered the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame six years later. Hoping to retire with an undefeated record of 20 wins, she entered the competitive 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

However, she faltered at the start and was narrowly defeated by Blame.

Hurricane Fly

Hailing from Ireland, Hurricane Fly was born in 2004, winning 26 times and frequently placing in his 42 outings. Despite starting on flat tracks, he triumphed in 22 out of 32 G1 hurdle races.

His brilliance shone in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, capturing his best form during five straight victories from 2011 to 2015—a still unmatched record.

Additionally, he holds a record number of outright wins in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle, earning a streak of four wins from 2010 to 2013. In 2013, Hurricane Fly became the first in thirty-eight years to regain the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, a feat made notable by the race's fierce competitiveness.

Notably, Hurricane Fly amassed earnings totaling £1.89 million, solidifying his legacy as one of the most celebrated racehorses.

Denman

Another remarkable Irish-bred gelding, Denman was a favorite of the Paul Nicholls stable. Born in April 2000, he claimed 14 wins and finished in the top three in 20 of 24 starts.

His highest Timeform rating of 183 ranks among the elite for National Hunt runners. Denman shone brightest in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup, claiming victory over Neptune Collonges and pre-race favorite Kauto Star.

In this prestigious race, Denman triumphed by seven lengths and claimed the Hennessy Gold Cup twice (in 2007 and 2009) during his career.

The 'Aon' Chase at Newbury, won by Denman in 2008, was renamed Denman Chase in 2012, thanks to his track accomplishments.

Secretariat

A roundup of legendary racehorses would be incomplete without the mention of Secretariat, seen by many as the greatest US-bred colt or stallion.

Renowned for his exceptional achievements, he claimed victory in 16 of 21 races, rarely placing outside the top three. With career earnings of $1.3 million, he earned the ‘Champion Juvenile Colt’ title before leading the US Triple Crown.

Secretariat's record-shattering 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes remains unmatched, as he completed the fastest 1½ miles on dirt ever recorded.

Crowned ‘American Horse of the Year’ in 1973, he also won the award the year before.

Man o’ War

If any American racehorse could rival Secretariat in the history books, it would be the phenomenal Man o’ War. Victorious in 20 out of 21 career races, his sole loss came at Saratoga Race Course.

Foaled in 1917, he impressively won nine of his initial ten races and would have contested the US Triple Crown if not for his owner’s decision.

However, he did sire, Admiral, seized the Triple Crown victory in 1937. Notably, he is the sole horse to triumph in the American and English Grand Nationals over jumps.

Throughout a storied career, Man o’ War earned $249,465, equivalent to approximately $3.2 million when adjusted for inflation.

Red Rum

Red Rum's track record of 24 wins and 62 top finishes in 100 races may just match others, but he certainly has unique distinctions.

Red Rum thrived in the mid-1970s during the iconic UK Grand National, winning three editions (in 1973, 1974, and 1977) and placing second in 1975 and 1976.

His unforgettable triumph in the 1977 Aintree race saw jockey Tommy Stack guide the 12-year-old to an anticipated win. His astonishing 1973 debut victory was underscored by overcoming a 15-length deficit against rival Crisp.

His Aintree accomplishments remain unmatched, his legacy cemented by three National wins.

Winx

Chris Waller’s esteemed mare Winx is hailed as one of the finest Australian-bred racehorses. Victorious in 37 of 43 starts, notable for winning her final 33 consecutive races before retiring.

Winx holds the unrivaled record of 25 Group 1 wins, including four W. S. Cox Plate triumphs and five Chipping Norton Stakes victories at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney.

Partnered primarily with jockey Hugh Bowman, she garnered a staggering $26.42 million in earnings.

Unsurprisingly, Winx earned the title of Australia's Horse of the Year four consecutive times from 2015 to 2019. She entered the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2017 while still racing, just the third horse ever to receive this honor.

Black Caviar

Finally, we highlight another acclaimed mare, Black Caviar, whose career mirrored perfection. Bred by R. Jamieson in Australia in 2006, this sprinter quickly rose to prominence.

She achieved legendary status in horse racing by clinching several premier G1 victories, accounting for 60% of her wins in this elite class, with the Newmarket Handicap in Victoria, the TJ Smith Stakes, and the storied Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot being among her most notable triumphs.

Her bold venture outside the shores of her homeland Australia happened only once, yet it was a remarkable campaign, as she claimed four major wins in 2012. Moreover, she left an indelible mark by winning the Lightning Stakes three times, which was subsequently renamed the 'Black Caviar Lightning' in her honor.

She amassed an impressive sum of $7.9 million for her owners, and her prowess on the track was recognized with titles such as Australian Champion Sprinter and Racehorse of the Year for three consecutive years from 2011 to 2013.

Kincsem

When the topic is unbeaten streaks, perhaps no other racer can compete with the legacy of Kincsem. This outstanding mare from Austria-Hungary, born in 1874, stayed undefeated throughout a phenomenal 54 races, spanning four rewarding seasons between 1876 and 1879.

No male, female racehorse or any other pedigree has ever come close to matching the extraordinary success Kincsem achieved, with victories stretching across diverse countries including Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and France.

She garnered peak fame and glory in 1878, managing wins in the prestigious Goodwood Cup, Grand Prix de Deauville, and Grosser Preis von Baden all within a span of just a few weeks. She's one of the only two thoroughbreds to win the latter race three times.

Without a doubt, Kincsem stands as the most illustrious racing horse to emerge from Eastern Europe and remains one of the sport’s most celebrated icons.

American Pharoah

Despite a relatively brief career with just 11 races, the American-bred thoroughbred American Pharoah, born in February 2012, exhibited extraordinary talent by winning nine times and consistently finishing within the top three.

Nevertheless, it was in 2015 that this remarkable stallion distinguished himself by becoming the first horse to clinch the modern 'Grand Slam of Thoroughbred Racing,' earning victories in both the American Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup Classic.

He was the 12th horse in history to achieve Triple Crown status, and his win in the revered Breeders’ Cup Classic further solidified his extraordinary legacy.

Not surprisingly, in 2015 he was crowned as the IFHA World’s Best Racehorse. Following his Grand Slam success, he also received the Secretariat Vox Populi Award and was named American Horse of the Year.

Seattle Slew

And now, meeting Seattle Slew, another impressive American racehorse born in 1974. In his illustrious career of 16 starts, he won 14 times and never finished below second place.

Following his youthful victories as Champion Juvenile Colt and Three-Year-Old, he continued to shine, being awarded the American Horse of the Year in 1977.

Seattle Slew once held a unique record as the only thoroughbred to sweep the US Triple Crown without suffering a defeat prior. But Justify equaled this feat after a spectacular 2018 campaign.

Overcoming serious illness as a stallion, he came within mere fractions of breaking the world record at the esteemed Marlboro Cup, earning an impressive $1.2 million for his owners.

Final Thoughts

While we recognize these runners as some of the premier racehorses of all time, numerous others merit mention for their own legendary exploits.

Consider, for instance, Desert Orchard, winner of the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup, or Nijinsky, famed for securing the UK Triple Crown by capturing the 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and Saint Leger.

Many have left a mark, but our choices have not only excelled in horse racing but also captivated audiences far and wide. Seattle Slew, for example, invoked 'Slewmania,' an enthusiastic fervor that swelled attendance wherever he ran!

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