A Quick List of The Most Famous Racehorses of All Times

Betting on horse races has been a tradition and favourite pastime of gamblers and bettors. In the West, horse races are the one most anticipated events in the world of sports betting.  Apart from the handsome cash value, the horses are the biggest attraction of this game. 

To make betting simpler, many online betting sites have incorporated horse races into their option due to their popularity. You have to have a good betting strategy to maximise your winnings. 

If you are into horse race betting, then, you should know about these famous horse races. Below mentioned are eight famous games that have taken the betting industry by storm.

1. Secretariat

In the history of horse races, Secretariat holds a special place of respect and admiration among racehorse players. Nicknamed Big Red, he created a mindblowing winning record at the 1973  US Triple Crown Competition. Flat horse racings is known for their strict time sectionals. Every time Secretariat participated in the Triple Crown tournament, he broke records, setting a winning margin of 31 lengths, which is one of the highest records any horse has set in any Triple Crown event. Before Man o War, it was Secretariat who earned the title of Champion Juvenile Colt. Within two consecutive years 1972 and 1973, he was titled the American Horse of the Year. Yet establishing another track record, Secretariat made more than 10 million dollars by winning the Marlboro Cup during that year.

2. Man O’ War

Man O’ War will be recognised as one of the greatest horses in the history of racehorses in the US. The unfortunate truth is that Man O’ War was not allowed to participate in the US Triple Crown. The horse was known for having a violent temper just like the British Royal Navy warships. He contributed towards popularising the sport during the interwar period in North America. War Admiral, his son, participated and won the Triple Crown and the Battleship. He was the only horse to secure a win in the American and English Grand Nationals.

3. Seattle Sew

Seattle Slew redefined US horse racing at its greatest. The stud is perhaps the only horse that won the US Triple Crown, Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes collectively. Because of his remarkable track record, he was named the American Horse of the Year in 1977. After putting up a fight with a chronic illness, he returned to the field and claimed the Marlboro Cup. When he was on the racetracks, cheers of Slewmania ran in the crowd. He added thrill and excitement to the horse racing matches during that time.

4. Winx

Winx was awarded the Australian Horse of the Year in the four consecutive years 2015-2019. She was also named the Champion Middle Distance Racehorse in those years. The mare is the only winner of the highest-level races thereby creating a world record of 25 Group 1 successes. She made history with four consecutive wins in the Cox Plate of Moonee Valley. Her stellar achievement earned her a place in the Australian Racing Hall in 2017. 

5. Kelso

Even though Kelso did not win the US Triple Crown, he is revered as one of the best racehorses. He is the only horse to bag the American Three Year Old. He managed to secure all the Grade 1 success by winning the Belmont Park Jockey Club Gold Cup five times. Adding to his feats, he also acquired the title of the Champion Older Male Horse in 1960 and held firmly to that position till 1964. He held the record of the American Racehorse of the Year consecutively for five years, between 1960 and 1964. 

6. Diva

Originally from England, Diva was sent to Australia where he notoriously gained the status of the best racehorse. She is the only horse to win the Melbourne Cup for three years. Even though one can say that she might not be as powerful as her previous counterparts, she delivered a commendable performance on the race track. He was the seventh horse to finish the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup twice in 2005. An ode to her track record, she became the Australian Racehorse of the Year in 2005 and 2005. And earned the title of Australian Slayer three times. 

7. Zenyatta

This is the only horse that got featured in the Sports Illustrated. During her lifetime, she won 19 out of 20 matches. She participated in the Breeder’s Cup in 2008 and 2009 and earned the title of the Ladies Classic against other horses. In one of the matches, she won the first place of 27 million dollars. A three-time winner of the American Older Female Horse, Zenyatta was also regarded as the American Horse of the Year in 2010. The surprising part is that she did not compete in the race till the age of three.

8. Hurricane Fly

Hurricane Fly, a star of the British Isles, is regarded as the best horse racer of the Atlantic. He was sent for training to France for a few years after which he returned to the stable of Willie Mullins where he showed true signs of a potential racing horse. He is the only one to successfully win all 22 Grade 1 hurdle races. He was conferred the title of the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. And guess what? He was the first horse to do so in 38 years. He won the Punchestown Champion Hurdle fourth time in a row and gained subsequent five wins in the Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. 

These horse races are and will be remembered for a long time. The talented jockeys, adrenaline rush, intense matches, the unfettered glory, achievements, and cash rewards-all sum up the thrill and beauty of such tournaments. 

So next time when you are planning to bet on horse races, do remember these matches or if possible check out their tournaments online to gain deep insight into horse betting.