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Ranking the Best Racehorses of All Time

Last updated May 2, 2024 by Brad Heath

Horse racing has been around for quite some time. The first modern horse race took place in 1776 in England, known as the St. Leger race.

Since its beginnings in the 18th century, people from across the world gather each year to attend various horse races. Although there are thousands of horses that compete in these races each year, there are only a few that stand out to be defined as “history makers.”

Based on their achievements, records, and industry legacy, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 greatest racehorses of all time.

Table of Contents

#7: Kelso: The Unexpected Victor

Born in April of 1957, Kelso is what we have deemed as the unexpected victor. When he was born, he was considered a runt. He was certainly not what anyone would expect to become a reigning champion in the racing world.

Affectionately called “Kelly” and “King Kelly” by his owners, he was a bay gelding. Kelso was owned by the Dupont family, and raced for 8 seasons. Between the years of 1960 and 1966, Kelso established 39 of his 63 records.

Many racehorses in history were known for their looks, but that was not the case for Kelso. As far as looks, Kelso was considered an average horse. However, when Kelso started moving, there was no denying just how impressive he really was.

Some of the most memorable accomplishments from Kelso include:

Kelso was voted Horse of the Year for five years straight during the 1960s
When Kelso retired, he was the highest monetary earner of all time. This was despite him never competing in a Triple Crown event (he was passed by Affirmed in 1979)
Kelso set an American record for a mile and a half turf in 1964 (2:23 4/5), winning the Washington D.C. International. He later went on to set the world record for 2 miles

#6: Black Caviar: Undefeated Champ

Black Caviar was a bay filly. Born in August of 2006, she retired in 2013 with a record of 25-0. Black Caviar was trained by Peter Moody, who was based out of Melbourne, Australia. The highlight of her career is when she traveled to England and won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

Black Caviar was stout in build, but you would never think that when you saw her start to race. Although she was a stocky horse, when she was moving, she was fluid and light. Have you ever heard the famous saying, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee?” This quote was the essence of Black Caviar. She was strong and powerful, yet graceful and extremely agile when she was racing.

Throughout her career, Black Caviar racked up her fair share of achievements including:

The first horse outside of Europe to win the European Champion Sprinter
She set the Australian record for winning 15 Group I races
Named the Australian Champion Sprinter
Named the racehorse of the year in Australia for 3 consecutive years (2011-2013)

#5: Zenyatta: The Queen of Racing

Zenyatta has been referred to as the “Queen of Racing.” She was named after the album titled Zenyatta Mondatta by the Police. Zenyatta was another bay filly that competed during the same time period as Black Caviar. Although Black Caviar broke Zenyatta’s record for the number of consecutive wins, Zenyatta was a powerhouse to be reckoned with. Unlike many other racehorses in the industry, she didn’t race as a two year old. She was born in 2004 and didn’t race until 2007.

Zenyatta was a very large horse. She stood over 17 hands and weighed over 1200 pounds. In fact, Zenyatta was so big that she was claustrophobic at the starting gate. She was infamous for her pre-race “dancing” routine. Many race watchers reported that during her career she would prance around happily, as if she was putting on a dancing show for the crowds before she competed (we’ll blame this on being a mare and having lots of built-up energy that she needed to dance out).

She raced for 3 years between 2007 and 2010. During those few short years, Zenyatta set many records and acquired many awards including:

First mare to win at the Breeders Cup Classic
Awarded Champion Older Female Horse for 3 consecutive years
Awarded American Horse of the Year
Set new records at Del Mar and at the Lady’s Secret Stakes Race
Earned more than $7.3 million in her career

#4: Dr. Fager: The Speed Demon

Throughout the years, Dr. Fager has been awarded the nickname “Speed Demon.” Dr. Fager was a bay stallion, and he raced only two years (1966-1968). Although Dr. Fager was club footed, it didn’t slow him down one bit during his races. His trainer, John Nerud, named him after the neurosurgeon that operated on him after a tumble from a pony gave him some scary symptoms that would require brain surgery.

Dr. Fager stood at 16.2 hands, and he is still considered one of the fastest racehorses that the world has ever seen. During his racing career, Dr. Fager set record after record including:

New track records at the New Hampshire Sweepstakes Classic, Rockingham Special Stakes
Set a new American record at the Washington Park Handicap
Set a new world record at the Washington Park Handicap
Named American Horse of the Year, American Champion Handicap Male, American Champion Turf Horse, and AMerican Champion Sprinter

#3: Citation: Legacy Runs in the Family

Citation was born out of Calumet Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Back in 1941, the owner of Calumet Farm, Warren Wright Sr., purchased Hydroplane II from Britain. Hydroplane II was mated with Bull Lea, and foaled a bay colt, who would be named Citation. Mr. Wright could be called pretty lucky with the dynasty of horse racing that he created during his time. Within 3 years of being foaled, Citation won the Triple Crown in 1948. Although Mr. Wright bred many champions out of his stables, Citation was the star of the show.

Citation became the first horse to ever earn a million dollars. In a quick amount of time, he had established quite the reputation for himself. In fact, during one Stakes race that Citation attended, he was the sole competitor. Not because it was an unpopular race…but because Citation was commanding the horse racing world so much that no one wanted to compete against him.

Citation raced from 1947-1951. During his time racing, some of his accomplishments included:

Champion 2 year old and 3 year old colt
Triple Crown winner (the 8th winner)
Named Horse of the Year in 1948
Won 16 races consecutively
Named Champion Older Male Horse in 1951

#2: Secretariat: The Epitome of a Dream Racehorse

Although Secretariat didn’t make it to our #1 spot as the best racehorse of all time, he is probably the most widely known racehorse name. Secretariat was a chestnut stallion that raced from 1972-1973. He was foaled in 1970, and he was affectionately referred to as “Big Red.”

Secretariat made his racing debut in 1972, and he quickly picked up traction after that. In his first race, he finished fourth. Just 11 days later, he competed in his second race and won. A couple weeks later, he competed again in the third race of his career, and again, he won. Everyone in the horse racing industry was quick to note that Secretariat was special.

Secretariat has been known as the race horse that had it all. He was the textbook definition of perfect stature and athleticism, and he had a big heart… literally. After Secretariat was euthanized, the veterinarian discovered that Secretariat’s heart weighed in between 21-22 pounds. The weight of his heart was over 2 and a half times the size of the average horse heart.

Secretariat is arguably the most popular racehorse of all time. There was even a movie made about him titled: Secretariat. During the peak of his fame, he received so much mail from fans that his owner hired a secretary to handle it all. They also hired an agency to manage Secretariat’s public engagements.

Secretariat earned many achievements that resulted in his name being so well-known, including:

Set a Kentucky Derby record
Won 15 stakes races
Named the 1992 leading broodmare sire in North America
Won the Triple Crown
Featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated, Newsweek and Time

#1: Man O’ War: The Best RaceHorse of All Time

Man O’ War raced from 1919-1921. To this day, he is considered the greatest racehorse of all time. Man O’ War was a chestnut stallion that won 20 out of his 21 races. One of his most notable victories is when he raced and won carrying 138 lbs.

Man O’ War was a total rockstar on the racetrack, and his appearance matched his abilities. He stood at 16.2 hands, weighed over 1,100 lbs., and had a 72 inch girth. It was commonly known that you could put Man O’ War on any terrain and at any distance, and he would win. Man O’ War comes in as the greatest racehorse in history over Secretariat. The main reason is that Secretariat raced with light weight aluminum shoes, and Man O’ War raced in steel shoes. In addition, Man O’ War often carried extra weight during his races. So, Man O’ War was provided with more challenges, and he still came out on top.

Other popular feats by Man O’ War include:

Set the one mile and 3/8 record while carrying 128 pounds
Won 16 stakes races
North American leading sire in 1926
Named American Horse of the Year, American Champion 3 Year Old Male Horse and Champion Two Year Old Colt
Set a world record for one mile and 5/8
Set a new record for one mile and 1/8

Transporting Champions: The Art of Moving History-Making Racehorses

Transporting legendary racehorses, known for their extraordinary achievements on the track, requires specialized care and attention. These equine athletes, having reached the pinnacle of racing history, need transportation that prioritizes their unique needs for safety, comfort, and stress-free travel.

Key Considerations in Racehorse Transportation

Personalized Travel Plans: Each racehorse is an individual with specific needs. Tailoring travel plans to accommodate their unique requirements, such as preferred travel times and stops for rest, is crucial.
Veterinary Support: Continuous access to veterinary care during transit ensures the health and well-being of these valuable animals. This includes pre-travel check-ups and emergency medical care if needed.
Professional Handling: Expert handlers, familiar with the nuances of each horse, play a vital role in ensuring a calm and secure environment during transportation.
Travel Conditioning: Preparing racehorses for travel through conditioning helps them adapt to the journey, reducing stress and anxiety.

Double D Trailers: Custom Solutions for Elite Racehorse Transportation

Double D Trailers' gooseneck horse trailers rank number 1 in the list of best horse trailers for racing horses by The Sports Economist. Our horse trailers with living quarters come next as the ideal alternative.

Double D Trailers stands out in the field of racehorse transportation by offering highly customized horse trailers designed to meet the specific needs of elite racehorses. Our trailers are not just modes of transport but a testament to innovation and care in equine travel.

Unique Features of Double D Trailers

Advanced Climate Control: Double D Trailers' climate control systems are specifically designed for the sensitive nature of racehorses, maintaining a stable environment regardless of external conditions.
Adaptable Interior Design: With adjustable partitions and customizable stall sizes, each trailer can be configured to suit the comfort and safety needs of individual horses.
State-of-the-Art Safety Features: From non-slip flooring to emergency exits, every aspect of a Double D Trailer is crafted with the horse's safety in mind. Advanced suspension systems ensure a smooth journey, reducing the risk of travel-related stress or injury.
Integrated Monitoring Systems: Owners and handlers can monitor their horses in real-time, ensuring immediate response to any signs of distress, thanks to the sophisticated camera and surveillance systems installed in each trailer.

Transporting racehorses isn't just about getting from point A to point B – it's an extension of the care and training that creates champions. Our trailers are designed with the horse's needs in mind, providing a smooth, stress-free journey befitting their star status. We know that every detail matters when your horse is aiming for greatness. By choosing Double D Trailers, owners and trainers ensure that their racehorses are transported in a setting that is as close to their home environment as possible, guaranteeing peace of mind and the highest standard of care during their journey.