The 5 racehorses that have marked the history of horseracing

The world of horse racing has undoubtedly been marked by great jockeys, but above all by exceptional horses, who have transcended this sport, commanded the admiration of fans, and captured the public’s imagination. Let's look together at 5 legendary horses that have left their mark in the grand history of horse racing!

Secretariat - The American Icon

Affectionately known as “Big Red,” Secretariat won the hearts of racing enthusiasts in the 70s. He is considered one of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time. In 1973, he became the first horse in 25 years to win the United States Triple Crown. His victories at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes are not just remarkable for their achievement, but for how they were secured. Even Ron Turcotte, the jockey who had the honor of riding him, had nothing but praise, considering that he had never been on a horse capable of such feats.

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Frankel - The British Phenomenon

A legend of the racing world, Frankel has left an indelible imprint in the memories of fans. Trained by the equally legendary Henry Cecil, Frankel retired undefeated after 14 starts. His consecutive successes earned him the highest rating in the history of racing, notably thanks to his overwhelming dominance at the 2012 Champion Stakes. For all these reasons, Frankel is regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.

Seabiscuit - The American Crisis-Era Hero

In the 1930s, Seabiscuit became a symbol of hope for an America grappling with the Great Depression. If you're familiar with the American Dream, then Seabiscuit was its embodiment. A small horse, with an unconventional appearance, he racked up a series of 17 winless races at the start of his career before winning his first in 1935. A few years later, he stacked victories to defeat the great War Admiral in what was dubbed "the match of the century." Seabiscuit proved that heart often trumps sheer physical ability.

Winx - The Australian Queen

Once again, we end with a more contemporary horse. Winx is an English thoroughbred mare who won over 25 Group 1 races, the top competitions on the racing circuit. This is a historic record for an English thoroughbred, but the records do not stop there as Winx also dominated races in Australia with a streak of 33 consecutive wins at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Sydney’s racetrack. Today, Winx enjoys the status of an unrivaled champion, which makes her a living legend. Her retirement in 2019 was met with emotion by thousands of fans who followed her extraordinary career.

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Man o' War - The Interwar Legend

Man o' War is a name that still echoes in the minds of horse racing enthusiasts. Racing a few years before Seabiscuit, in the period just after World War I, this thoroughbred won 20 of his 21 races between 1919 and 1920, instilling a sense of wonder and admiration in those fortunate enough to see him run. Man o’ War’s hallmark was his stride: at 8.5 meters, it is still considered the longest in history.

These extraordinary horses are much more than champions of their time; they are representatives of horse racing. Timeless symbols of perseverance, talent, and excellence, each has helped shape the world of horse racing and continues to inspire future generations, both enthusiasts of the turf and those who simply appreciate great success stories.